The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has condemned a recent court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, warning that the decision could undermine Nigeria’s democracy and the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, the CNPP expressed concern over the ruling by Justice Peter Lifu affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The umbrella body of political parties described the judgment as more than a legal dispute, saying it represents a direct threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, multiparty system, and citizens’ right to political participation.

The CNPP also questioned the reported involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, alleging that his support for the suit has raised concerns about the neutrality of key democratic institutions.

According to the group, the development has strengthened public perceptions that opposition parties are being targeted and that political institutions may be under pressure to serve partisan interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

The CNPP argued that democracy cannot thrive where political competition is weakened through judicial or administrative actions rather than being determined by voters at the ballot box.

The organisation further alleged that the deregistration case reflects signs of “state capture”, a situation in which powerful political actors manipulate public institutions and regulatory agencies to achieve predetermined outcomes.

It warned that growing fears about the independence of electoral and judicial processes could erode public confidence in the fairness of future election petitions and electoral outcomes.

The group also expressed concern that Nigeria’s democratic structures are gradually losing substance, citing what it described as the marginalisation of opposition voices, weakened oversight institutions, and the increasing concentration of political power.

The CNPP called on Nigerians, civil society groups, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders, as well as the international community, to defend democratic values and political pluralism, insisting that Nigeria’s future must be decided by voters through free, fair, and competitive elections.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and four other political parties.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party.

The Court of Appeal, however, on Tuesday granted a stay of execution on the Federal High Court judgment, temporarily preserving the parties’ registration status ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting in a statement posted on his X handle, the former Vice President said the appellate court’s intervention was a positive development.

“I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgment seeking the deregistration of our great party, the ADC, and four other political parties. It is particularly significant that INEC itself initiated the application for the stay,” he wrote.

He equally criticised what he described as judicial contradictions and rulings in the ongoing legal dispute, warning that such developments place the judiciary under public scrutiny.