The Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, has urged caution in the implementation of the Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, warning that the move could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
Dr. Zikirullahi, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said that while CHRICED respects the constitutional authority of the judiciary to interpret the law, the deregistration of political parties should not be viewed merely through the lens of legal technicalities.
According to him, the judgment, which ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action People’s Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Accord Party (AP), raises important questions about political inclusion, democratic participation, and the future of political pluralism in Nigeria.
“The deregistration of political parties is not an ordinary administrative matter. It is a decision with significant consequences for democratic participation, freedom of association, and citizens’ ability to choose from a broad range of political alternatives,” Dr. Zikirullahi stated.
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He argued that democracy extends beyond the conduct of elections and must also guarantee the protection of citizens’ rights to organize politically and participate in governance through platforms of their choice.
Dr. Zikirullahi expressed concern that reducing the number of political parties, particularly at a time when preparations for the 2027 general elections are gathering momentum, could fuel perceptions of shrinking civic space and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
“A vibrant democracy thrives on diversity of ideas and the existence of multiple political platforms through which citizens can express their aspirations. Any action that narrows the democratic space must be subjected to the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
The CHRICED Executive Director also questioned whether similar standards had been applied consistently over the years, noting that concerns have often been raised about the selective enforcement of electoral regulations and party deregistration provisions.
According to him, public trust in democratic institutions depends not only on strict adherence to the law but also on the perception that the law is applied fairly and impartially to all political actors.
Dr. Zikirullahi further observed that some of the affected parties have recently assumed more prominent roles within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, making transparency and due process even more critical in handling matters that could alter the country’s political balance.
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He therefore called on INEC to exercise caution in implementing the court order while the affected parties pursue their constitutional right of appeal.
“The affected political parties should be allowed full access to legal remedies and due process. As the matter progresses through the appellate courts, all stakeholders must prioritize the long-term health of Nigeria’s democracy above short-term political considerations,” he said.
Dr. Zikirullahi also urged the judiciary, INEC, political parties, and civil society groups to work towards strengthening democratic institutions, expanding political participation, and ensuring a level playing field for all political actors.
He maintained that democracy flourishes when citizens are presented with genuine political alternatives and when opposition voices are allowed to compete freely within a transparent and inclusive political environment.
“The critical question before Nigerians is not merely whether the law permits the deregistration of political parties. The more important issue is whether such actions, in both substance and perception, advance democratic participation, political inclusion, and public confidence in the country’s democratic future,” Dr. Zikirullahi added.
He reaffirmed CHRICED’s commitment to promoting democratic governance, constitutionalism, human rights, and civic participation, stressing that democracy is strongest when political competition is encouraged, civic space is protected, and citizens are empowered with meaningful choices at the ballot box.