A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, over their alleged failure to satisfy constitutional electoral requirements.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which challenged the continued recognition of the affected parties by INEC.
Parties Affected by the Judgment
In addition to the ADC, the court ordered the deregistration of four other political parties:
- Action Peoples Party
- Action Alliance
- Accord Party
- Zenith Labour Party
The judgment was issued in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026.
Former Legislators Challenge Party Eligibility
The National Forum of Former Legislators argued that INEC has a constitutional obligation to deregister political parties that fail to meet the performance benchmarks outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The group maintained that the affected parties consistently failed to achieve the electoral thresholds required to retain their registration.
According to the plaintiffs, political parties are expected to secure at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win elective positions at the national, state, or local government levels.
Performance in Elections Questioned
The plaintiffs told the court that the affected parties performed poorly during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections conducted across the country.
They argued that the parties failed to secure electoral victories at critical levels of government and therefore no longer met the constitutional requirements for continued registration.
According to the suit, allowing such parties to remain registered undermines the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Court Asked to Compel INEC
Among the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs was a declaration that INEC is legally bound to deregister parties that fail to meet constitutional standards.
They also requested an order compelling the electoral commission to implement the deregistration before preparations for the 2027 general elections advance further.
The suit additionally sought restrictions preventing the affected parties from participating in political activities, including campaigns, rallies, primaries, and future elections unless they fully comply with constitutional requirements.
Possible Impact on 2027 Elections
Political observers believe the judgment could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
If implemented, the ruling may affect the plans and aspirations of candidates seeking to contest elections on the platforms of the affected parties.
The decision is also expected to generate legal and political debate regarding party registration requirements, electoral reforms, and the role of INEC in regulating Nigeria’s multi-party system.
Awaiting INEC’s Next Move
As of the time of reporting, INEC had not publicly announced its next course of action regarding the court order.
The development is likely to attract appeals and further legal scrutiny as stakeholders assess the implications of the ruling for Nigeria’s democratic process and the 2027 electoral cycle.