The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised concern over a recent court ruling ordering the deregistration of some political parties in Nigeria.
CHRICED warned that the move could weaken democratic pluralism in the country.
The group made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday, reacting to a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional performance requirements.
“While CHRICED respects the constitutional authority of the courts to interpret the law, we must express our unease that such a consequential decision appears to rely solely on a narrow reading of constitutional provisions,” the group said.
“A matter as weighty as the deregistration of political parties should not be approached as a mere administrative exercise,” it said.
According to CHRICED, “Democracy is not simply the periodic conduct of elections. It is the continuous protection of citizens’ rights to organize, to associate, and to choose from a broad spectrum of political alternatives.”
The group expressed concern that reducing the number of political parties could shrink civic space and limit citizens’ choices during elections.
It added that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on diversity and inclusion, stressing that limiting political participation could weaken public trust in the system.
“A vibrant democracy thrives on diversity of ideas and the availability of multiple platforms through which citizens can express their aspirations,” it said.
CHRICED also questioned whether electoral rules have been applied fairly and consistently over time, warning that selective enforcement could damage confidence in democratic institutions.
“CHRICED, therefore, calls for caution in the implementation of this judgment. All affected parties must be granted full access to legal remedies and due process,” it said.
It further called on INEC, the judiciary, political parties, and other stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s democratic space.
“As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, it is imperative that democratic institutions act in ways that inspire trust rather than suspicion,” the group stated.
CHRICED concluded that democracy is strongest when political competition is encouraged and citizens are given real choices at the ballot box.
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