The governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has called for calm among party supporters following a Federal High Court judgment, insisting that the ruling has no bearing on the party’s political future or its participation in future elections.
In a statement aimed at addressing growing concerns within party ranks, Nyameh urged members and supporters not to panic or lose confidence in the party, stressing that the court’s decision represents only an early stage in an ongoing legal process.

“Don’t be discouraged by the Federal High Court judgment. ACCORD will be on the ballot in 2027,” he assured.

He explained that the judgment remains an initial ruling and subject to further judicial review, noting that Nigeria’s legal system provides additional layers of appeal, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

According to him, “The Federal High Court is just a trial court. There is the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.”

Nyameh maintained that the matter is far from concluded, expressing confidence that the party would pursue all available legal options to ensure justice is ultimately achieved.

He further reaffirmed that the Accord Party remains a viable political platform with established structures across the country, and continues to enjoy growing support.

The professor also urged supporters to remain law-abiding, united, and focused, encouraging sustained grassroots mobilisation despite what he described as temporary legal and political distractions. He added that preparations for future political engagements are ongoing and that the party’s internal cohesion remains strong.

Nyameh further referenced prominent figures within the party, including the governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, describing the Accord Party as a platform strengthened by credible and influential political actors.

He reassured supporters that the party leadership remains committed to maintaining its presence within Nigeria’s democratic space and is focused on strategic preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governorship candidates of the Accord Party, Professor Jerome Nyameh and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Alhaji Abubakar Tutare, in Taraba state, have dismissed concerns over a Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of both parties alongside three others by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The development follows a judgment delivered on Monday in Abuja by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the affected political parties over alleged non compliance with statutory requirements.

However, both candidates insisted that the ruling does not mark the end of their parties’ legal existence, stressing that higher judicial authorities still have the final say.

Reacting to the judgment, Accord Party governorship candidate, Professor Nyameh described the ruling as a first instance decision, arguing that it remains subject to appeal.

He maintained that the legal process is not concluded, noting that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court remain available for review.

“The Federal High Court is just a trial court. There is the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court,” Nyameh said.

While urging party supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, he  expressed confidence in the continued political relevance of the Accord Party, insisting that it remains a viable platform for Nigerians.

Nyameh also referenced internal party strength, noting that the party has prominent political figures, including the sitting governor of Osun state, Ademola Adeleke, adding that preparations for future political activities within the party remain ongoing.

On his part, ADC governorship candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Tutare also rejected concerns that the court’s ruling would lead to the party’s collapse.

Tutare argued that the African Democratic Congress remains politically relevant, pointing to its representation in the House of Representatives as evidence of its continued legal and electoral standing.

He urged supporters not to panic, expressing confidence that the party would ultimately prevail if the matter progresses to the Supreme Court.

“We are not worried. We believe the Supreme Court will do justice in the end,” he said.

For now, both campaigns in Taraba State have urged supporters to remain focused on their political activities pending further legal clarification.

Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned in the strongest terms the judgement seeking to deregister the ADC and several other opposition political parties, describing it as a dangerous assault on constitutional democracy and further evidence of a coordinated effort to eliminate political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the ruling should alarm every Nigerian who believes in democracy, political pluralism, and the rule of law.

He noted that the judgement was particularly troubling because it was delivered in the face of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal which had expressly stayed further proceedings in the matter pending the determination of an appeal.

“The judgement represents a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics and a blatant assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

“What makes the situation even more disturbing is that this judgement was purportedly delivered despite a clear and subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. On May 22, 2026, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, granted an application staying further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 pending the hearing and determination of the appeal before it.

“The implication of that order is not ambiguous. A stay of proceedings means precisely what it says. It freezes every further step in the matter, including the delivery of judgement. Any action taken contrary to that order raises serious questions about respect for the hierarchy of courts and fidelity to the rule of law.

“This latest judgement therefore does not merely contradict a subsisting appellate order; it strikes at the very foundation of legal certainty and constitutional governance. If court orders can be treated as optional whenever they become inconvenient to those in power, then the rule of law itself is in grave danger.”

Atiku said the judgement fits into an increasingly obvious pattern of political persecution and institutional manipulation aimed at weakening opposition parties before the next election cycle.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the Tinubu administration is singularly focused on eliminating major political opponents ahead of 2027.

“Rather than confronting the mounting crises facing the nation—rampant insecurity, economic hardship, rising poverty, unemployment, and the declining purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians—the government appears consumed by a desperate quest to neutralise every viable opposition platform.

“This is not governance. It is political elimination by other means.

“The Nigerian people can see what is happening. Opposition parties are being targeted. Democratic institutions are being pressured. State power is increasingly being deployed not for national development but for political survival.”

The former vice president urged members of the ADC and supporters of democratic governance across the country not to be discouraged by the ruling.

“We wish to reassure all members of the ADC, our supporters, and all Nigerians who believe in democratic competition that we will not be intimidated by these desperate manoeuvres.

“The battle before us transcends political parties. It is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy. It is a battle between those who believe in freedom of choice and those who seek to impose political uniformity through intimidation and institutional capture.

“We shall continue to pursue all lawful and constitutional avenues to defend our party, protect democratic freedoms, and preserve the multiparty system which remains the cornerstone of our constitutional order.

“We call on the judiciary, civil society organisations, the media, and all patriotic Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist every attempt to subvert democratic institutions for partisan advantage.

“Nigeria’s democracy was not won cheaply. It must not be surrendered cheaply.”

Atiku stressed that no amount of political desperation can override the Constitution, extinguish the opposition, or silence the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who desire change.