ABUJA/Nigeria: A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Lauretta Onochie, has dismissed calls for the deregistration of the party, insisting that the ADC remains fully qualified under the Constitution and electoral laws to retain its status as a political party in Nigeria.
Onochie, in a statement posted on her social media platform, alleged that political opponents had become unsettled by the prospect of a joint presidential ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi under the ADC platform.
According to her, the growing momentum around the opposition coalition has triggered attempts to undermine the party through calls for its deregistration.
“They panicked at the emergence of an Atiku Abubakar-Rotimi Amaechi joint ticket. They know it’s over for them,” she stated.
The former presidential aide argued that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant electoral laws clearly spell out the conditions under which a political party can be deregistered, maintaining that the ADC does not fall short of any of the stipulated requirements.
Citing Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and regulations issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Onochie said a political party is required to either secure at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win at least one elective position at the national, state or local government level.
She maintained that the ADC currently has more than one elected official and therefore remains qualified to operate as a registered political party.
“The laws and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are clear as to why a party should be deregistered. ADC has more than one elected official,” she said.
Onochie also took a swipe at the judiciary, urging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to sanction judges who, according to her, deliver judgments that are inconsistent with the provisions of the law.
She argued that judicial officers found to be issuing rulings to satisfy political interests should face disciplinary measures, including possible disbarment.
“The Nigerian Bar Association should begin to de-bar judges who make rulings that are contrary to the laws of our land to please their paymasters,” she stated.
The comments come amid increasing political realignments and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties exploring possible alliances to challenge the ruling establishment.
Onochie reaffirmed her commitment to the ADC, declaring, “We are ADC,” and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future.
“God bless Nigeria,” she added.
