The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
Also affected by the ruling are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The order followed a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the National Forum of Former Legislators asked the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to deregister political parties that fail to meet the electoral performance requirements outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations.
The plaintiffs argued that the five parties had consistently failed to satisfy the constitutional conditions necessary to retain their registration.
According to the former lawmakers, the requirements include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective position at the national, state, or local government level.
They told the court that the ADC and the four other parties recorded poor performances in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by elections conducted by INEC, failing to secure seats across major levels of government.
The plaintiffs maintained that the continued recognition of the ADC and the other parties as registered political organisations is unlawful and weakens the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Among the reliefs sought, they requested a declaration that INEC is legally required to deregister parties that fail to meet the constitutional benchmarks.
They also urged the court to compel the electoral commission to remove the five parties from the register before preparations for the 2027 general elections progress further.
In addition, the plaintiffs asked the court to bar the affected parties from participating in elections or carrying out political activities such as campaigns, rallies, and primary elections.
They further sought an injunction preventing INEC from recognising or engaging with the parties in any official capacity unless they fully comply with constitutional requirements.
The judgment could have significant implications for politicians seeking elective office under the affected parties, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
