Shockwaves in Nigeria: a court orders the deregistration of a major opposition party ahead of the elections

A Nigerian federal court on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five political parties, including one of the country's main opposition movements. This decision could dramatically alter the Nigerian political landscape just months before elections scheduled for next January.

Federal High Court Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other parties had failed to meet constitutional requirements regarding election results. He therefore ordered their removal from the official register of political parties.

Nigerian law stipulates that a party must win at least one elected seat at some level of government or obtain at least 25% of the vote in a state during a presidential election. Parties that fail to meet these criteria are subject to deregistration.

This decision represents a major setback for Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and a leading opposition figure. A presidential candidate under the ADC banner, he is considered one of President Bola Tinubu's main rivals. The potential dissolution of his party could reduce the options available to the opposition in the upcoming election.

The ADC immediately challenged the court's decision. Its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, denounced the measure as a "direct invitation to anarchy." The party announced its intention to appeal and to use all available legal and constitutional means to try to overturn the ruling.

This case comes amid already tense political tensions in Nigeria, where preparations for the upcoming elections are attracting increasing attention. If the decision is upheld on appeal, it could profoundly alter the balance of political power and influence the course of the upcoming presidential campaign.