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 allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.
Key Highlights:
Federal High Court orders INEC to deregister African Democratic Congress and four other parties
Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party also affected
Court rules parties failed to meet constitutional performance benchmarks
Suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators
Judgment could reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections
Potential implications for candidates seeking to contest on affected party platforms
The ruling was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu following a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
The affected political parties include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In its application, the forum asked the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to satisfy the performance benchmarks outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC regulations.
The plaintiffs argued that the affected parties consistently failed to meet the constitutional requirements necessary to maintain their registration.
Under the Constitution, political parties are expected to secure at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win at least one elective position at the federal, state, or local government level.
According to the National Forum of Former Legislators, the affected parties recorded poor performances during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure elective offices across major tiers of government.
The group further contended that allowing underperforming parties to remain on the electoral register weakens the credibility, efficiency, and integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiffs requested a declaration that INEC has a constitutional duty to deregister political parties that fail to meet the prescribed thresholds.
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They also asked the court to compel the electoral commission to act before preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
In addition, the plaintiffs sought an order restraining the affected parties from participating in elections, conducting party primaries, organising campaigns, holding rallies, or engaging in other political activities unless they comply with constitutional provisions.
The court was also urged to prohibit INEC from recognising or dealing with the affected parties in any official capacity.
Political observers say the ruling could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly given the growing profile of the African Democratic Congress as a platform attracting opposition figures and coalition discussions.
The judgment is expected to trigger legal and political reactions in the coming days as stakeholders assess its implications for party politics and electoral participation ahead of the next general election.
