Adebayo warns against deregistration of political parties, says it threatens democracy
By Henry Nnaemeka
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has criticised the reported Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of several political parties, warning that the development could undermine democratic competition and weaken opposition politics in Nigeria.
The judgment reportedly affected parties including the African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Action People’s Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators over allegations that the parties failed to meet constitutional and electoral performance benchmarks.
Reacting to the ruling, Adebayo described the move as a troubling development for Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that democracy flourishes when citizens have multiple political platforms through which to express their views and pursue alternative visions of governance.
According to him, reducing the number of opposition parties through judicial processes could narrow political participation and limit the choices available to voters.
“Democracy thrives on inclusion, competition and the free exchange of ideas. It should not be defined by the systematic reduction of political alternatives available to the electorate,” Adebayo said.
The SDP flagbearer warned that deregistering opposition parties on performance-related grounds could send the wrong signal at a time when many Nigerians are demanding broader political participation and stronger democratic institutions.
He further argued that such developments risk strengthening the dominance of the ruling establishment and weakening the checks and balances necessary for a healthy democracy.
Adebayo expressed concern that concentrating political influence around a single dominant force could erode accountability and diminish public confidence in the electoral process.
“The health of a democracy is measured not by how powerful the government becomes, but by how free, open and competitive the political environment remains,” he said.
The former presidential candidate called on democratic institutions to safeguard political plurality and ensure that constitutional and electoral mechanisms are not perceived as tools for restricting legitimate political participation.
He also urged civil society groups, political stakeholders and citizens to remain vigilant in defending democratic freedoms and preserving space for opposition voices ahead of future elections.
The court ruling has generated debate among political observers, with many examining its potential implications for Nigeria’s party system, democratic consolidation and the broader political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.
