JUST IN: Hashim Breaks Silence Over Court Order Deregistering Opposition Parties

Former presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Gbenga Hashim, has described a Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party, as a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hashim said the judgment reinforced concerns he had earlier raised since 2024 about what he described as a coordinated effort to weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He alleged that recent developments in the political space indicate attempts to reduce political competition by weakening opposition parties and their structures.

According to him, opposition governors have come under pressure to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while opposition parties have also been weakened by internal disputes and leadership crises.

Hashim further accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of implementing an electoral timetable he claimed is inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, alleging that the commission has failed to make necessary adjustments despite ongoing legal challenges.

Reacting to the court order affecting the ADC, Accord Party, and three other political parties, Hashim described the ruling as a major setback for opposition politics and democratic participation.

He maintained that Nigeria’s democracy is built on multi-party participation and urged stakeholders to protect democratic institutions and ensure electoral integrity.

Hashim also referenced ongoing legal proceedings on the matter, noting that an appeal has been filed and a hearing is scheduled for October 27, 2026.

The MDR co-chairman called on political parties, civil society organisations, pro-democracy groups, and citizens to remain actively engaged in defending democratic processes and strengthening the country’s electoral system.

He also urged his supporters and members of the Accord Party to remain committed to what he described as the defence of democracy and political pluralism in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the APC, INEC, or the affected parties regarding Hashim’s claims.