JUST IN: Court orders INEC to deregister ADC, four other political parties

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a ruling that could have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Peter Lifu issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which challenged the continued registration of parties alleged to have failed constitutional requirements for retaining their status.

The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The ADC currently serves as the political platform of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, one of the leading opposition figures expected to contest the 2027 presidential election. Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has also been linked to the party’s emerging presidential ticket.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the National Forum of Former Legislators asked the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to meet electoral performance requirements stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant electoral guidelines.

The plaintiffs argued that the five parties had consistently failed to satisfy the constitutional thresholds required for continued registration.

According to the forum, political parties are expected to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win elective offices at the federal, state or local government levels to maintain their registration.

The plaintiffs maintained that the ADC and the other affected parties failed to achieve the required benchmarks during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections conducted across the country.

They contended that the continued recognition of the parties by INEC was contrary to constitutional provisions and detrimental to the integrity and efficiency of the nation’s electoral system.

The forum consequently sought declarations compelling INEC to enforce the constitutional provisions by removing the parties from the register of political parties.

In addition, the plaintiffs requested orders restraining the affected parties from participating in future elections, conducting primaries, holding political rallies or engaging in campaign activities unless they satisfy the constitutional requirements for registration.

Delivering judgment, Justice Lifu granted the reliefs sought and directed INEC to proceed with the deregistration of the affected political parties.

The ruling is expected to trigger legal and political reactions, particularly from the ADC and other affected parties, as preparations for the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum.

Political observers say the judgment, if upheld and implemented, could significantly reshape the opposition landscape and affect the ambitions of prominent politicians seeking elective office on the platforms of the affected parties.