High Chief Peter Ameh, former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has cautioned against what he described as judicial overreach following a Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of several political parties.
Ameh said the judgment sets a “dangerous precedent” that could weaken constitutional democracy and undermine Nigeria’s multiparty system, stressing that political pluralism remains a core pillar of democratic governance.
He argued that the ruling raises serious concerns about the protection of citizens’ fundamental right to freedom of association as guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which he said must not be curtailed by administrative or judicial interpretation.
According to him, political parties are not only electoral platforms but also essential institutions for civic engagement, ideological expression, policy debate, and democratic accountability.
Ameh warned that reducing the number of political actors through legal or institutional decisions could gradually narrow Nigeria’s democratic space and increase political tension in an already fragile environment.
“Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freely associate and participate in political life. That right cannot be restricted in ways that contradict the spirit of democracy,” he said.
He maintained that democracy thrives on inclusion and competition, adding that attempts to limit political participation risk weakening national cohesion and eroding public trust in democratic institutions.
Ameh further stressed that political participation should not be viewed solely through the lens of electoral success, noting that political parties play broader roles in leadership development, civic mobilisation, and policy advocacy.
He expressed concern that recent regulatory and judicial interventions affecting political parties could signal a gradual contraction of democratic space if not carefully checked.
According to him, electoral laws and court interpretations must always be balanced against constitutional guarantees, with emphasis on protecting fundamental freedoms over administrative convenience.
The former IPAC chairman urged all institutions involved in electoral governance and adjudication to exercise restraint and remain strictly guided by constitutional principles in politically sensitive matters.
He warned that inconsistent or exclusionary decisions could undermine confidence in democratic institutions and create perceptions of bias or institutional overreach.
Ameh also called for electoral reforms that prioritise transparency, accountability, and credibility, rather than measures that reduce political participation or limit competition.
He insisted that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on expanding, not shrinking, the political space, adding that exclusionary tendencies could fuel long-term political instability.
Reaffirming his position, Ameh said Nigeria’s democracy can only consolidate when all political actors—regardless of size or influence—are allowed to operate freely within the constitutional framework.
He concluded that sustained democratic growth depends on institutional balance, respect for constitutional rights, and the continuous expansion of political inclusion across the country.