The Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) and former presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Gbenga Hashim, has described a Federal High Court order directing the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party, as a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hashim said the ruling reinforced concerns he had raised since 2024 about what he alleged was a coordinated effort to weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, recent developments in the political landscape suggest attempts to reduce political competition by weakening opposition parties and their structures.
Hashim alleged that opposition governors had faced pressure to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while opposition parties had been weakened by internal disputes and leadership crises.
He further accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of implementing an electoral timetable that he claimed was inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, alleging that the commission had failed to make adjustments despite ongoing legal challenges.
Commenting on the court order affecting the ADC, Accord Party and three other political parties, Hashim described the development as a major setback for opposition politics and democratic participation.
He argued that Nigeria’s democratic system was founded on multi-party participation and urged stakeholders to safeguard democratic institutions and electoral integrity.
Hashim also referenced ongoing legal proceedings related to the matter, noting that an appeal had been filed against aspects of the case and that a hearing was scheduled for October 27, 2026.
The MDR co-chairman called on political parties, civil society organisations, pro-democracy groups and citizens to remain engaged in defending democratic processes and strengthening the country’s electoral system.
He also urged his supporters and members of the Accord Party to remain committed to what he described as the defence of democracy and political pluralism in Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the APC, INEC or the parties involved in the legal proceedings regarding Hashim’s claims.
