The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24, 2026, to consider a lawsuit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over alleged breaches of constitutional provisions.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. The defendants in the matter are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, as well as five political parties: ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA).
Originally listed for mention before Justice Peter Lifu, the matter did not proceed as planned and was subsequently adjourned to the new date for further hearing.
Addressing journalists after the brief court appearance, counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), explained that the case primarily seeks judicial clarification on constitutional and statutory provisions regulating the registration and continued recognition of political parties. According to him, the plaintiffs believe certain parties may have acted in ways inconsistent with constitutional requirements, and they are asking the court to interpret the relevant legal framework.
Court filings reveal that the action was commenced by originating summons under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and applicable provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019. Central to the dispute is whether INEC is constitutionally required to deregister political parties that fail to meet prescribed electoral performance benchmarks.
Under existing laws, a political party may be subject to deregistration if it fails to secure at least 25 per cent of votes cast in one state during a presidential election, win a local government area in a governorship poll, or obtain at least one seat in elections ranging from councillorship to the National Assembly.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether INEC is obligated to enforce these standards against the parties in question, which they allege have not won any ward, legislative, or executive position in previous elections. They also want the court to clarify whether such parties remain eligible for legal recognition and participation in political processes, including congresses, primaries, campaigns, and the 2027 general elections, without strict adherence to constitutional requirements.
Among the reliefs sought are declaratory orders affirming that INEC must enforce constitutional benchmarks as a condition for continued registration and electoral participation. The plaintiffs are further requesting mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining INEC from recognising or acting on any political activities or correspondence from the affected parties unless they fully comply with constitutional and statutory provisions.
In a supporting affidavit sworn by Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and National Coordinator of the forum, the group accused INEC of failing to discharge its constitutional responsibilities by continuing to recognise parties that allegedly fall short of minimum performance standards.
Nnanna asserted that the parties have not secured any elective office at any level of government — from presidential and governorship contests to National Assembly, state assembly, chairmanship, or councillorship elections. He further claimed they did not attain the constitutionally mandated 25 per cent of votes in at least one state during presidential elections, nor establish representation across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Describing the continued recognition of the parties as inconsistent with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022), the forum warned that allowing them to contest in the 2027 general elections could overcrowd ballot papers, strain administrative resources, and create confusion among voters.
The plaintiffs maintain that the suit is filed in the public interest and aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and adherence to the rule of law. Justice Lifu has adjourned proceedings to February 24, 2026, when the court is expected to take further steps in the matter.
0 Comments