Jun 15, 2026

AGRO Nigeria Slams Court Ruling, Seeks Probe of Judge

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

👁️ loading views...

LAGOS, June 15, 2026 — The Action Group Renewal Organization (AGRO Nigeria) has strongly criticized a reported Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties over their alleged failure to secure the constitutionally required electoral threshold in the 2023 general elections.

Reacting to the development on Monday, the Initiator of AGRO Nigeria, Comrade Adeyinka Fadumiye, described the ruling as a dangerous setback for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and a move capable of weakening opposition politics in the country.

Fadumiye expressed concern over the implications of the judgment, arguing that it raises serious questions about the protection of democratic values, political inclusion, and electoral competition in Nigeria.

According to him, the decision could be interpreted as an attempt to diminish the role of opposition parties and further narrow Nigeria’s democratic space.

He specifically called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, over what he termed a controversial judgment that has generated widespread public debate.

“It is difficult to understand the legal foundation of a ruling seeking the deregistration of parties that currently have elected governors and lawmakers serving at both state and national levels,” Fadumiye said.

The AGRO Nigeria leader argued that the ADC and Accord Party remain active political platforms with elected officials occupying strategic positions across the country, making the judgment particularly contentious.

He urged the NJC to thoroughly review the circumstances surrounding the ruling and take appropriate action if any professional misconduct is established.
Fadumiye also called on the leadership of both the ADC and Accord Party to immediately challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, insisting that all lawful avenues should be explored to safeguard the parties’ rights and participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“The affected parties must seek immediate judicial redress to ensure that their constitutional rights are protected and that they remain eligible to participate fully in future elections, including the forthcoming governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states,” he stated.

He further warned that judicial actions perceived as weakening opposition parties could have far-reaching consequences for democratic governance and political stability in Nigeria.

Emphasizing the importance of political plurality, Fadumiye noted that democracy thrives when citizens are presented with diverse political choices and when all registered parties are given a fair opportunity to compete.

He therefore urged the judiciary to uphold its reputation as an impartial institution committed to justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

“The judiciary must continue to serve as the guardian of democracy and constitutional order. Nigeria’s democratic future depends on the protection of justice, fairness, and political plurality,” he said.