A protest erupted on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja as demonstrators opposed moves linked to the alleged deregistration of some opposition political parties in Nigeria.

The protesters, operating under the name Concerned Northern Nigeria Stakeholders, marched to the court premises in Wuse, chanting slogans and carrying placards with messages calling for the protection of democracy and opposition politics. Security operatives, including DSS personnel, blocked access to the court and prevented the group from entering the complex.

Speaking during the protest, the group’s leader, Banki Sharrif, accused authorities of attempting to weaken opposition parties and warned against interference in the judiciary and electoral processes. He stressed that democracy depends on fair competition among political parties and warned that excluding opposition voices could destabilise the country’s political system.

The protesters also expressed concerns over the role of the Attorney General of the Federation in supporting legal actions seeking to deregister certain parties, including the African Democratic Congress and four others. They argued that such moves could undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

Sharrif further cautioned that if courts are perceived as being influenced by the executive arm of government, citizens may lose confidence in legal channels for resolving political disputes.

The demonstration comes amid an ongoing legal process at the Federal High Court involving a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister several political parties on constitutional and regulatory grounds.

Authorities have yet to issue any official response to the protest, while security has been tightened around the court premises to prevent further disruption.