The Accord Party has strongly rejected the court judgment directing its deregistration, warning that Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into a one-party state.
The party insisted that it remains a legally recognised political platform and has already begun challenging the ruling through the courts.
Speaking on the development, the Ogun State Chairman of Accord Party, Hon. Rotimi Oke, said the judgment was flawed and would be contested at the appellate level. According to him, the party believes existing legal authorities and previous court decisions support its position.
Oke maintained that the ruling does not signal the end of the party, noting that a stay of execution has already been secured while the legal battle continues.
In his words:
“We do not want a one-party state, and we believe political pluralism must be protected. That is our concern.”
He added:
“They didn’t deregister our party. We believe the judgment is flawed. We have judgments and legal authorities that, in our view, support our position and contradict that decision.”
The Accord chieftain also expressed concern over what he described as growing challenges facing opposition parties in the country, questioning whether recent political developments could weaken Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.
According to him, several opposition parties are currently facing different forms of pressure, a situation he believes should worry supporters of democracy.
“Look at ADC. Look at SDP. Look at NDC. They all have challenges. Why are these things happening? Only God will save us,” he said.
Oke further questioned the timing of the judgment, noting that it came as political activities were gathering momentum ahead of major campaign events in Osun State.
Despite the controversy, the party says it remains committed to the legal process and is confident that the courts will ultimately determine the matter.
