The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opposed a court application seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators had approached the court, asking for an order to deregister the opposition party.
In court filings seen by TheCable, INEC argued that the application failed to meet basic constitutional requirements.
The commission stated that the deregistration of political parties is governed strictly by existing laws and constitutional provisions, and not subject to political pressure.
The development comes amid ongoing leadership disputes within the ADC. On April 30, the Supreme Court directed factional leaders, including David Mark and Nafiu Bala, to return to the Federal High Court for determination of issues arising from the party’s internal crisis.
Since the ruling, the ADC has experienced a wave of defections, including the exit of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
