The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has condemned a recent court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the registration of five political parties, warning that the development poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the umbrella body of political parties expressed concern over the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The CNPP described the ruling as an attack on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and multiparty political system, arguing that it goes beyond a mere legal dispute.
“The judgment represents not merely a legal controversy but a direct assault on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, multiparty political system, and the fundamental rights of citizens to freely associate and participate in the democratic process through political platforms of their choice,” the statement said.
The group also raised concerns over the reported involvement of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alleging that his office supported the suit seeking the deregistration of the affected parties.
According to the CNPP, the development has fueled public concerns about the neutrality of key democratic institutions, including INEC, and the independence of agencies expected to operate without political influence.
The organization further alleged that the court action forms part of a broader effort to narrow political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Nigeria’s democracy cannot survive where the government of the day is perceived as simultaneously controlling the executive arm, influencing legislative outcomes, intimidating opposition forces, and now appearing determined to shape the political landscape through judicial processes,” it stated.
The CNPP also claimed that recent events reflect what it described as an emerging pattern of state capture, arguing that institutions and legal processes were increasingly being used to secure political outcomes.
The group warned that if opposition parties could face deregistration through legal processes allegedly supported by the nation’s highest law office, questions would arise regarding the impartiality of future election-related litigation.
“There is growing apprehension that political outcomes may increasingly be determined through institutional influence rather than through the sovereign will of the electorate,” the statement noted.
The organization further expressed concern that Nigeria was drifting toward what it termed a “quasi-military civilian administration,” despite the continued existence of democratic institutions.
It cited the marginalization of dissenting voices, pressure on opposition platforms, weakened oversight institutions, and declining accountability mechanisms as signs of democratic erosion.
“The concentration of political power in a manner that leaves little room for genuine opposition is fundamentally inconsistent with democratic principles,” the CNPP said.
The political coalition called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, labour unions, professional groups, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and opposition political actors to defend democratic values and political pluralism.
“This is not merely about the fate of five political parties. It is about the future of democracy itself,” the statement added.
The CNPP also appealed to the international community, foreign missions, election observers, democratic governments, and human rights organizations to closely monitor developments in Nigeria.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional democracy and the rule of law, the organization insisted that Nigerians must retain the right to freely choose their leaders through transparent, competitive, and credible elections.
“We reject any attempt to use judicial processes, administrative mechanisms, or executive influence to shrink the democratic space,” the statement said.
The group by stressed that Nigeria’s political future must be determined by voters through the ballot box and not through what it described as institutional manipulation or political intimidation.