A Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of five political parties has sparked immediate backlash, with African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, vowing to resist the decision.

Justice Peter Lifu, sitting in Abuja, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), citing their alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements for continued existence.

The judgment has already generated debate across political circles, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

Among those criticizing the ruling is Sowore, who described the move as undemocratic and inconsistent with the principles of a multi-party democracy. He argued that political parties that have concluded their primaries and are preparing for future elections should not be removed from the political space.

“It shall not stand,” Sowore said in a statement posted on his verified X account, insisting that the decision was unjustifiable.

The ruling is expected to open a new chapter of legal and political contestation, with affected parties likely to challenge the judgment and seek relief through the courts.

Reacting to the ruling, Sowore maintained that the decision would not stand, setting the stage for what could become a prolonged legal and political battle over the future of the affected parties and their role in the 2027 elections.