- It ruled they failed to meet constitutional requirements
- A court ordered INEC to deregister ADC and four other parties
The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the registration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, also affects the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
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The case was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, asking the court to determine whether INEC is legally obligated to deregister political parties that do not meet the performance standards outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution as amended, alongside provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines.
The plaintiffs argued that the affected parties had consistently failed to meet the minimum electoral thresholds required to retain their registration status.
These include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective position at federal, state, or local government level.
According to the claimants, the parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to win meaningful representation across key elective offices.
They maintained that allowing such parties to remain registered undermines the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system and contradicts constitutional expectations.
The court was also asked to compel INEC to deregister the parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
In addition, the plaintiffs sought orders restraining the affected parties from participating in future elections, including primaries, campaigns, and other political activities, until they comply with constitutional provisions.
They further urged the court to stop INEC from recognising or engaging with the parties in any official capacity unless they meet the required legal standards.
The judgment is expected to have significant political implications, potentially affecting the participation of candidates from the affected parties in the 2027 general elections.
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