The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.
The affected parties are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment in Abuja while ruling on a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally bound to deregister political parties that fail to satisfy electoral performance thresholds stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, and the commission's guidelines.
The plaintiffs argued that the affected parties failed to meet the minimum constitutional requirements, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in at least one state during presidential elections or winning at least one elective office at the federal, state, or local government levels.
They further contended that the parties recorded poor performances in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure representation in key elective positions across the country.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu upheld the plaintiffs' arguments and directed INEC to commence the process of deregistering the five political parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The plaintiffs had also sought an order restraining the affected parties from participating in future elections and political activities, including campaigns, rallies, and primaries, as well as barring INEC from recognising them unless they comply with constitutional requirements.
The court's decision is expected to have significant implications for Nigeria's political landscape as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.
