The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has urged caution over a Federal High Court judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

The organisation warned that the decision could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic system.

The judgment, delivered on Monday in Abuja by Justice Peter Lifu, directed INEC to withdraw recognition from the affected parties on the grounds that they allegedly failed to meet constitutional performance thresholds, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in the last general elections.

While acknowledging the constitutional authority of the judiciary to interpret electoral laws, CHRICED Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said the ruling raises concerns over the narrow interpretation of the Constitution without sufficient consideration of Nigeria’s broader democratic context.

He warned that such a consequential decision should go beyond technical compliance and reflect regional and international democratic norms that protect political participation, freedom of association, and citizens’ right to political choice.

CHRICED expressed concern that the deregistration of political parties, particularly at a time when Nigeria is approaching another electoral cycle, could further shrink civic space and weaken political pluralism.

According to the organisation, democracy is not limited to periodic elections but also includes the continuous protection of citizens’ rights to organise, associate, and participate meaningfully in political life.

It stressed that any action that reduces the number of political alternatives available to voters risks undermining inclusiveness, accountability, and public trust in democratic institutions.

The group raised concerns about consistency in the application of electoral laws, noting that party deregistration processes in Nigeria have historically attracted criticism over selective enforcement and lack of uniform standards.

Zikirullahi argued that decisions affecting political parties must be handled transparently, especially where they may influence the structure of political competition ahead of elections.

He urged all democratic stakeholders, including INEC, the judiciary, and political actors, to prioritise reforms that strengthen rather than restrict political participation.

He called for full respect for due process as the affected parties pursue legal remedies, stressing that appeals mechanisms must be allowed to run their full course in line with constitutional guarantees.

He maintained that Nigeria’s democracy is strongest when political competition is open, opposition voices are protected, and citizens are presented with genuine choices at the ballot box.

Zikirullahi added that the central question is not only whether the law permits deregistration, but whether such actions both in substance and perception strengthen or weaken democratic participation and public confidence in the system.