Adamu Yusuf
The Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) and Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has described the Federal High Court order directing the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party, as evidence of what he termed a systematic effort to weaken opposition politics and undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the court ruling in a statement issued by his campaign office on Tuesday, Dr. Hashim said the development validates concerns he has consistently raised since 2024 about what he alleged is a coordinated strategy to suppress opposition parties before the next electoral cycle.
According to him, recent developments in the nation’s political landscape point to a deliberate and multi-layered effort aimed at weakening opposition parties and restricting political competition.
Hashim further alleged that individuals sympathetic to the ruling party had been deployed to destabilize major opposition platforms through internal disputes and leadership crises.
He argued that the prolonged factional conflicts witnessed in some opposition parties over the past two years were not accidental but part of a broader plan to weaken alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Accord Party presidential candidate also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of operating an election timetable that he claimed is inconsistent with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
He maintained that despite a court judgment challenging aspects of the timetable, INEC had failed to make the necessary adjustments, thereby creating obstacles for opposition parties.
Referring specifically to the Federal High Court’s order directing the deregistration of the ADC, Accord Party, and three other political parties, Hashim described the ruling as the most significant step yet in what he alleged is a broader effort to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space.
He stressed that the founding fathers of the Republic adopted a multi-party system as a fundamental pillar of democracy at independence and noted that the 1999 Constitution guarantees political pluralism.
Hashim also drew attention to a Court of Appeal order issued by Justices Mohammed A. Danjuma, Adebunkunola A. Banjoko, and Oyejoju O. Oyewumi in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, directing Justice Peter Lifu to stay further proceedings on the matter pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
According to him, the appellate court’s order, dated May 22, 2026, fixed October 27, 2026, for the hearing of the appeal.
The MDR Co-Chairman therefore called on political parties, civil society organizations, pro-democracy groups, and citizens across the country to unite in defence of democratic institutions and electoral integrity.
Addressing his supporters, Hashim urged them to remain steadfast, saying: “Stand firm with the Movement for Democratic Renewal. Stand firm with the Accord Party. Stand in defence of democracy.”