Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly dismissed a recent Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of the Accord Party and four other opposition political parties, asserting that the decision poses no threat to his re-election bid. The court's order, issued on Monday, mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the Accord, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for failing to meet constitutional performance thresholds. The ruling has ignited widespread debate over the legitimacy of the court's authority and the impact of the decision on Nigeria’s political landscape.
The court’s decision was based on Section 225(a) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers INEC to deregister political parties that do not achieve specific electoral benchmarks, such as securing at least 25% of votes in a state during a presidential election or obtaining at least one elective seat at the federal, state, or local government level. The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, alleged that the affected parties had underperformed in the 2023 general elections and thus no longer qualified for registration. However, the ruling has been contested by both the affected parties and legal observers, who argue that the court ignored a prior stay of proceedings issued by the Court of Appeal.
Governor Adeleke, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord last year in pursuit of a second term, has strongly criticized the judgment, calling it an "abuse of court process" and a "threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system." During a press briefing in Osogbo, he emphasized that the Court of Appeal had already intervened and adjourned the case until October, making the Federal High Court’s action a violation of procedural norms. He reiterated that the Accord would remain a valid political entity and that the judgment would not affect his ability to contest the August 15 off-cycle governorship election. His assurances were bolstered by the Court of Appeal’s subsequent order to stay the execution of the judgment, which effectively halted the deregistration process.
The legal battle surrounding the deregistration of political parties has deepened existing tensions within Nigeria’s political arena. The ruling follows a similar controversy in 2020 when the Court of Appeal overturned INEC’s deregistration of 22 parties, citing procedural irregularities. However, the Supreme Court later upheld INEC’s authority, leading to the deregistration of several parties, including the National Unity Party (NUP). These precedents underscore the volatile nature of political party deregistration in Nigeria, where judicial decisions often reflect broader political dynamics and power struggles.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has leveraged the controversy to strengthen his re-election campaign. On Tuesday, he officially launched his re-election bid in Osogbo, receiving a significant boost from supporters of former APC National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, who have pledged their allegiance to the Accord. The defection of Omisore’s supporters, including former Commissioner for Education Folorunso Oladoyin, has been seen as a strategic move to consolidate support ahead of the August 15 election. Oladoyin highlighted Adeleke’s strong electoral record, noting that he had defeated Omisore’s party in past elections and demonstrated consistent political success in the state.
In addition to rallying support, Adeleke has emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and defending democratic institutions. He has called on law enforcement agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, to cease providing security to officials who he claims are illegally occupying local government secretariats. He has also directed the United Bank for Africa (UBA) to stop recognizing the affected officials as signatories to local government accounts, demanding that funds be allocated to legally recognized officials instead. These measures reflect his broader strategy to reinforce his administrative authority and ensure that his policies are implemented without interference.
The deregistration ruling has also raised concerns among opposition leaders and legal scholars about the potential erosion of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic framework. ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark has warned that the judiciary is under scrutiny and accused the federal government of engaging in political manipulation. Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the ruling as a dangerous attack on constitutional democracy, alleging that it is part of a coordinated effort to eliminate political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. He has pointed to the timing of the judgment, which coincides with heightened political activity in Osun State, as evidence of a deliberate attempt to destabilize the electoral process.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, the Accord Party has vowed to continue its political activities, including preparations for the upcoming governorship election in Osun and the 2027 general election. The party has stated that it remains a legally recognized political entity and will participate in all future elections. Its legal team has already begun efforts to overturn the ruling, arguing that the Federal High Court violated the Court of Appeal’s stay order. The party has also emphasized its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s multiparty system, warning against actions that could lead to a one-party state.
As the legal battles unfold, the outcome of the deregistration dispute will likely shape the trajectory of political competition in Osun State and beyond. With the August 15 election approaching, the stakes have never been higher, and the resolution of this issue will play a crucial role in determining the future of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. For now, Governor Adeleke and his supporters remain undeterred, confident that the courts will ultimately affirm the validity of the Accord and restore stability to the political process.
15 reports
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8518 days agoA Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including Accord, which is the platform of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. The court ruled based on Section 225(a) of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows INEC to deregister parties failing to meet electoral performance thresholds such as securing a minimum percentage of votes or elective positions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a court ruling regarding the deregistration of political parties under constitutional provisions. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The framing remains neutral, focusing on legal procedures and statutory
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Highly factual with detailed legal references and specific court case details. Slightly less objective due to framing the court's decision as a 'threat' without presenting counterarguments.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentRightFactual 95Objective 7018 days ago Adeleke dismisses judgement deregistering Accord, other parties, hails court victory in LG disputesOsun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has rejected a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of the Accord Party and four other opposition political parties, claiming the decision was an abuse of judicial process and a threat to Nigeria's electoral system. The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the parties due to their failure to meet constitutional performance requirements. Adeleke, who previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the Accord, stated that the court lacked jurisdiction as the Court of Appe
Bias read (Right): The article presents the governor's perspective without counterpoints or balanced analysis, using language that frames the court's decision as an 'affront' and 'threat,' suggesting a pro-governor stance.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 70): Strong factual alignment with other reports regarding the court ruling and Adeleke's response. The description of the court's actions as an 'affront' suggests a biased perspective.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 93Objective 7317 days ago Governor Adeleke launches re-election campaign, receives Omisore’s supportersGovernor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has officially launched his re-election campaign and received support from former APC members who have defected to the Accord party. Despite a court ruling that ordered the deregistration of the Accord and other parties, Adeleke remains confident that legal challenges will allow the party to participate in the upcoming election.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the political developments involving Governor Adeleke and the Accord party, including the court ruling and the defections, without using biased language or selectively omitting perspectives.
Why these scores (Factual 93 · Objective 73): Accurate details about Adeleke's campaign launch and defections. Use of phrases like 'dark forces' and 'victorious by the special grace of God' indicates a biased tone.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 7218 days agoGovernor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has confirmed that the Accord Party will participate in the August 15 governorship election despite a recent Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of the party along with four others. During the flag-off of his re-election campaign, Adeleke assured supporters that the party will be on the ballot and emphasized the importance of using lawful means to secure the party's participation. He called on party members and supporters to remain active and committed to ensuring the continuation of the administration's achievements.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Governor Adeleke's statements without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports directly on his claims regarding the Accord Party's participation in the election and does not favor one side over another in the political dispute. The framing appears balanced, with
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 72): Facts match other sources about Adeleke's assurance of Accord's presence on the ballot. Phrases like 'dark forces' and 'special grace of God' indicate a subjective tone.
The PunchIndependentLeftFactual 90Objective 8017 days agoFollowing the Court of Appeal's reversal of the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark criticized the Federal Government, stating the judiciary is under scrutiny and warning against political interference. Stakeholders have called for sanctions against Justice Peter Lifu for violating a superior court order. The Court of Appeal stayed the execution of the Federal High Court's deregistration order and rebuked Justice Lifu for judicial misconduct.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the situation as a victory for the ADC and other parties against perceived government overreach and judicial misconduct. It emphasizes criticism of the Federal Government and highlights the Court of Appeal's rebuke of Justice Lifu, suggesting a critique of executive power and an '
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): The article thoroughly covers the Court of Appeal's reversal and the ADC's response, presenting the facts objectively with minimal editorializing.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7518 days ago Deregistration: We’ll be on 2027 ballot, Accord vowsThe political party Accord has rejected a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including itself. The party claims it remains a legally recognized political entity and plans to participate in upcoming elections, including the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and the 2027 general election. Accord stated it will appeal the decision, citing an ongoing stay of proceedings issued by the Court of Appeal. The party described the court's action as a 'travesty of justice' and emphasized its compliance with legal and electoral standards.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the party's response to the court ruling without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from the party's leadership and references the legal arguments made by Accord. There is no evident bias toward one political faction over another, and the content focuses on纪
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): High factual accuracy aligns with other sources about Accord's rejection of the court ruling and plans to appeal. However, the use of terms like 'travesty of justice' shows some bias.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7517 days ago Atiku welcomes Appeal Court order staying party deregistration judgementFormer Vice President Atiku welcomed an appeal court's decision to stay the execution of a federal high court ruling that sought to deregister the All Progressives Congress (APC) and four other political parties. He emphasized the significance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supporting the application for a stay. Atiku expressed concerns over conflicting judicial decisions and politically sensitive rulings, warning against actions that could weaken democratic institutions and urging the courts to uphold constitutional principles and the rule of law.
Bias read (Center): The article presents Atiku's statements without overtly favoring any political side. It reports his concerns about judicial inconsistencies and calls for upholding constitutional principles, which are neutral positions. The framing remains balanced, with no clear ideological slant evident in the phr
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article accurately reports Atiku's response to the Court of Appeal's stay, citing his statements and concerns about judicial contradictions. However, it leans slightly toward Atiku's perspective without fully balancing opposing viewpoints.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7518 days ago Deregistration of ADC, others draws backlash as opposition vows legal fightA Nigerian federal high court ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for failing to meet constitutional requirements. The decision has sparked criticism from opposition figures who warn it could undermine Nigeria's multi-party system and vowed to challenge the ruling legally. The ruling followed a lawsuit by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, who claimed the parties did not meet necessary benchmarks. The move has raised concerns about its impact on upcoming elections.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the court's decision and includes reactions from both the court and opposition figures without overtly favoring one side. It reports on the legal action taken against the parties and the subsequent backlash but does not use biased language or selectively present information to倾斜
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): The article gives a balanced account of the court ruling and the opposition's response, though it includes quotes that suggest a critical view of the government.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentLeftFactual 85Objective 7018 days ago ADC deregistration: Atiku fingers Tinubu over plot against oppositionAtiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticized a Federal High Court ruling seeking to deregister the ADC and four other opposition parties. He described the decision as an attack on constitutional democracy and suggested it is part of a broader strategy to suppress political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku highlighted that the court's ruling contradicted a prior stay order from the Court of Appeal.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the court's decision as an 'assault on constitutional democracy' and implies a coordinated effort to eliminate political opposition, suggesting a narrative of suppression by those in power. The language used ('dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics') leans toward a critical
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article provides detailed information about the Court of Appeal's stay and Atiku's condemnation of the ruling. It remains mostly factual but shows a clear alignment with the ADC's position.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 6518 days ago Deregistration: We won’t allow one-party state, Accord warnsThe Accord Party in Nigeria has rejected a court ruling that allegedly deregistered it and four other political parties. The party is challenging the decision in court and expressing concerns about the potential erosion of Nigeria's multiparty democracy. The Ogun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Hon. Rotimi Oke, stated that the party believes the judgment is flawed and that legal processes will resolve the issue. The party claims it continues to operate and has obtained a stay of execution order.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the Accord Party's stance without overtly favoring any side. It quotes the party's leader directly and does not introduce external commentary or bias in the language used. The framing appears balanced, focusing on the party's response to the court ruling rather than taking a立场.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 65): Generally accurate but less detailed than other sources. The mention of specific concerns about one-party states introduces a more opinionated angle.
The PunchIndependentLeftFactual 80Objective 7018 days ago SDP presidential candidate faults ADC, Accord deregistration, offers legal assistanceAdewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), criticized the Nigerian government's proposal to deregister certain political parties, calling the action unconstitutional, undemocratic, and harmful to Nigeria's democratic progress. He responded to a recent court ruling that ordered the deregistration of parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Accord Party. Adebayo expressed concern over the timing of the decision, which occurred shortly after Nigeria's Democracy Day celebrations.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the views of a left-leaning political figure criticizing government actions as undemocratic and unconstitutional. The framing emphasizes the negative implications of the deregistration orders and aligns with opposition perspectives without providing balanced counterpoints or pro
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 70): The article accurately reports Adebayo's criticisms of the deregistration but frames the issue as an unconstitutional act, showing some bias towards the opposition.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentLeftFactual 80Objective 6517 days ago Deregistration of Political Parties: Silence will kill democracy – CUPPPeter Ameh, acting national chairman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has criticized the deregistration of political parties in Nigeria, calling it a threat to democracy. He accused the executive branch of 'hostile rascality' and the judiciary of 'brazen overreach.' Ameh referenced past efforts by opposition groups to resist similar actions in 2019 and urged continued resistance to prevent further erosion of democratic processes.
Bias read (Left): The article presents criticism of executive and judicial actions as threats to democracy, uses strong moral language ('evil', 'hostile rascality'), and quotes a philosophical argument against inaction in the face of injustice. It frames the deregistration of political parties as an attack on plural,
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 65): The article accurately reports CUPP's stance but uses strong language like 'hostile executive rascality' and shows clear support for the opposition's position.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentLeftFactual 80Objective 6518 days ago You’re playing with fire, ADC warns Tinubu govt over deregistration plotThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the Nigerian federal government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that their support for legal actions aimed at deregistering the ADC could lead to a political crisis before the 2027 general elections. The ADC argues that such attempts would undermine democracy and political pluralism, emphasizing that only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the constitutional authority to register or deregister political parties.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the ADC's perspective, which frames the government's actions as undermining democracy and political pluralism. The language used ('playing with fire,' 'attack on democracy') suggests a critical stance toward the government's approach, aligning with a left-leaning interpretation.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 65): The article presents the ADC's stance clearly but uses emotionally charged language like 'playing with fire' and frames the issue as an attack on democracy, showing some bias.
Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenter18 days ago Court-ordered deregistration of ADC threatens Atiku’s 2027 presidential bidA Nigerian federal high court has ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently joined to contest the 2027 presidential election. The court ruled that these parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, who argued that the parties did not secure the necessary electoral votes or meet constitutional benchmarks. Political analysts suggest the ruling may not immediately affect
Bias read (Center): The article presents the court ruling and its implications objectively without overtly favoring any political side. It includes quotes from political analysts and references the legal process, indicating a balanced approach.
Vanguard NigeriaIndependentLeft18 days ago Obi condemns court-ordered deregistration of ADC, othersPeter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has strongly criticized a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for failing to meet constitutional requirements. Obi emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of national institutions and warned against their politicization. The court, led by Justice Peter Lifu, mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the parties after they did not secure 25% of the vote in the last general
Bias read (Left): The article presents Obi’s criticism of the court ruling as a defense of institutional integrity and warns against politicizing sacred institutions. The framing emphasizes concerns over the erosion of democratic norms and highlights Obi’s position as a critic of actions that could undermine the rule
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