A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a ruling that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Parties Affected by the Court Order
The court directed INEC to withdraw recognition from the following political parties:
- African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- Action Peoples Party (APP)
- Action Alliance (AA)
- Accord Party
- Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Case Brought by Former Legislators
The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, who asked the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to deregister political parties that fail to meet required electoral performance standards.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, relied on Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC regulations governing political party registration.
Constitutional Thresholds at the Centre of the Dispute
According to the plaintiffs, political parties must meet minimum performance benchmarks to remain registered. These include:
- Winning at least 25% of votes in at least one state during a presidential election
- Securing at least one elective position at national, state, or local government level
They argued that the affected parties failed to meet these standards in both the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections.
Court Arguments on Electoral Compliance
The plaintiffs maintained that the continued existence of the five parties as registered political entities undermines Nigeria’s electoral system and weakens democratic accountability.
They urged the court to compel INEC to enforce deregistration provisions and to prevent the parties from participating in future elections unless they comply with constitutional requirements.
Broader Restrictions Sought in the Suit
Beyond deregistration, the plaintiffs also asked the court to:
- Restrict the affected parties from participating in elections
- Bar them from holding campaigns, primaries, or political rallies
- Prevent INEC from recognizing or engaging with them in any official capacity
Political Implications Ahead of 2027 Elections
The ruling could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political space, particularly for smaller parties seeking visibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It may also affect political figures associated with smaller platforms, as parties like ADC have previously served as alternative platforms for high-profile candidates.
INEC Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not issued an official response to the court’s decision.
