Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Centre for Democratic Stability and Human Rights (CDSHR), a civil society organisation, has called on security agencies to immediately stop the Accord political party from proceeding with its governorship campaign in Osun State, following a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of the party and four others. The court, in a judgment delivered on Monday, June 15, 2026, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister Accord, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for failing to meet the constitutional performance requirements for continued registration as political parties.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was prompted by a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, who argued that the affected parties failed to secure at least 25 per cent of votes cast in at least one state during a presidential election, or win at least one elective position at the national, state, or local government level, as required under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022. Among those directly affected by the ruling is Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party in the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
In a statement issued shortly after the judgment, the CDSHR Director, Gideon Olatunde, expressed concern over the planned flag-off of the Accord Party's campaign in Osun, which was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Olatunde warned that allowing political activities to proceed without clarity on the party’s legal status could create uncertainty and heighten tensions within the polity. “If there is a valid and subsisting court judgment directing INEC to take steps regarding the party’s registration, relevant authorities should first clarify the legal position before any major political gathering is allowed to hold,” he said.
The CDSHR specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to urgently assess the implications of the reported judgment and take lawful measures to prevent any breach of peace. The director warned that allowing a campaign flag-off to proceed while legal questions remain unresolved could lead to confusion, confrontation, and a possible breakdown of law and order. “Osun State has experienced considerable political tension in recent times. All stakeholders should prioritise the security of lives and property above partisan interests,” he added.
The organisation also urged INEC to provide immediate clarification on the legal status of the Accord Party following the court pronouncement, to prevent misinformation and controversy. Olatunde appealed to political actors, government institutions, and security agencies to uphold the rule of law and place the preservation of peace above all other considerations while awaiting clarification from the appropriate legal and electoral authorities.
The Accord Party has rejected the court ruling, with its leadership insisting that the party will be on the ballot for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State and the 2027 general elections. Governor Adeleke has also described the judgment as an abuse of court process and a violation of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal, vowing that his party would remain on the ballot.
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