The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has voiced strong opposition to a recent court order that mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove five political parties from its register. The group argues that this decision poses a serious risk to Nigeria’s democracy and could cast doubt on the fairness of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, the CNPP criticized the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu. The affected parties include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The CNPP described the judgment as far more than a simple legal matter, calling it a direct assault on constitutional democracy, the multiparty system, and the right of citizens to engage in political activities. The group also raised concerns about the role of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, whose reported backing of the lawsuit has fueled suspicions about the impartiality of key democratic institutions.
According to the CNPP, this development reinforces the perception that opposition parties are being deliberately marginalized and that political institutions might be manipulated to serve partisan interests in the run-up to the 2027 elections. The organization warned that democracy cannot survive when political competition is stifled through judicial or administrative decrees rather than decided by voters at the polls.
The CNPP further alleged that the deregistration case is a sign of “state capture,” where powerful political actors exploit public institutions and regulatory bodies to achieve predetermined outcomes. It cautioned that growing unease over the independence of electoral and judicial processes could undermine public trust in future election petitions and results.
The group also lamented the gradual erosion of Nigeria’s democratic structures, citing the stifling of opposition voices, weakened oversight institutions, and an increasing concentration of political power. It called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, labor unions, religious and traditional leaders, and the international community to stand up for democratic values and political pluralism. The CNPP insisted that Nigeria’s destiny must be shaped by voters through free, fair, and competitive elections.