ADC, Three Political Parties Face Deregistration as Abuja Court Adjourns Case - Newstrends
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ADC, Three Political Parties Face Deregistration as Abuja Court Adjourns Case

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ADC, Three Political Parties Face Deregistration as Abuja Court Adjourns Case

The Federal High Court Abuja has adjourned ruling in a high-stakes suit seeking the deregistration of political parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Alliance (AA) over alleged non-compliance with constitutional provisions.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed March 24, 2026, to rule on a pending joinder application and other motions in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25.

The case was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and the affected political parties.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to interpret provisions of Section 225(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, arguing that INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds.

According to court documents, a political party risks deregistration if it fails to secure at least 25% of votes in one state in a presidential election or win at least one elective seat at any level of government. The plaintiffs contend that the continued recognition of the affected parties allegedly breaches constitutional requirements and could undermine electoral integrity, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. They are therefore seeking declaratory orders compelling the enforcement of INEC deregistration powers, as well as mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining INEC from recognising the parties pending compliance.

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Originally, the suit targeted only the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, it was later amended to include the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance, prompting the need for a joinder application currently before the court.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, a representation dispute emerged within Action Alliance, as two separate lawyers — Ibrahim Yakubu and Bello Lukman — claimed valid letters of instruction to represent the party. Justice Lifu directed both counsel to reconcile their positions, warning that the court would “do the needful” if the issue remained unresolved.

Counsel to the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), also applied for leave to file a further counter-affidavit, arguing that critical facts were omitted in earlier filings and needed to be addressed in response to the amended originating summons. However, counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba (SAN), opposed the move, describing the application as incompetent and unnecessary since no new facts were introduced.

Other defence lawyers, including S.E. Aruwa (SAN), sought an extension of time to regularise their court processes and filed motions challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit. After hearing arguments, Justice Lifu granted the applications for extension of time and deemed the plaintiff’s reply on points of law as properly filed.

The upcoming ruling is expected to significantly shape Nigeria’s political landscape. If the court compels INEC to enforce deregistration, it may reduce the number of parties eligible to contest in 2027. Legal observers say the decision could clarify the scope of constitutional provisions on political party registration, the extent of INEC’s enforcement powers, and the judiciary’s role in electoral oversight under the Electoral Act 2022.

ADC, Three Political Parties Face Deregistration as Abuja Court Adjourns Case

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2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party

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Saheed Oladele
Saheed Oladele

2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party

A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) in Oyo State, Chief Saheed Oladele, has resigned from the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as limited opportunities for youth participation in decision-making.

Oladele, who hails from Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, announced his resignation on Saturday in Ibadan, the state capital, confirming that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to the APC chairman in Ward 4, Ibadan North LGA.

In his resignation letter, Oladele said his decision followed deep reflection on his political journey within the party, noting that he had remained committed since its formation and had actively contributed to its growth at various levels.

He stated that his aspiration to contest the governorship election under the APC platform was driven not only by personal ambition but also by a desire to promote unity and strengthen internal structures within the party.

Oladele, however, lamented that recent developments within the Oyo APC suggest that young politicians are not being adequately included in key decision-making processes. He argued that the party, at the state level, appears more inclined to use young people for mobilisation without granting them meaningful influence in leadership decisions.

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“My journey within the party has been one of commitment, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication,” he wrote, adding that he had worked to build bridges among stakeholders and promote cohesion within the party.

He further stated that “recent developments and party positions” made it clear that the APC in Oyo State was “not yet prepared to give young people a seat at the decision-making table,” describing the situation as inconsistent with his political values and vision for the state.

Oladele also said he intends to reposition himself as a bridge between older and younger generations in politics, suggesting that his future political engagement would focus on inclusivity and youth empowerment.

His resignation comes just days after another APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Kunle Olatunji of Ona Ara Local Government Area, also left the party to join the Action Democratic Congress (Action Democratic Congress), further highlighting growing internal tensions within the party ahead of 2027.

Party officials of the APC in Oyo State have yet to issue an official response to Oladele’s resignation as of the time of filing this report.

The development adds to increasing political realignments in the state as aspirants and stakeholders position themselves ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 governorship race.

2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party

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Did Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin

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James Faleke
James Faleke

Did Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, has openly declared support for Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as a potential successor in the 2027 governorship race.

Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency, described Hamzat as the most suitable candidate to lead Lagos State after the current administration, calling on party members to rally behind him ahead of upcoming primaries.

The lawmaker made his position known in a message shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he urged APC stakeholders across Lagos to unite in support of Hamzat as political activities begin to intensify within the ruling party.

His endorsement comes as internal consultations and early alignments gain momentum within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, with key figures increasingly signaling preferred candidates.

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In his post, Faleke wrote:
“Good evening all. As we prepare for party primaries next month, I urge all our supporters in Ikeja Federal Constituency and Lagos State to support Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor of Lagos State from 2027–2035, IJN.”

Political observers say the endorsement is significant, given Faleke’s long-standing influence within the APC and his close ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the political leader of Lagos politics.

Hamzat, who currently serves as deputy governor, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced figures in Lagos governance, having worked across different administrative structures over the years.

His growing political visibility has fueled speculation about succession planning within Lagos APC, where continuity and internal consensus often play key roles in determining gubernatorial candidates.

Analysts note that early endorsements such as Faleke’s may shape internal party dynamics ahead of primaries, especially in a politically strategic state like Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

As of now, neither the Lagos State Government nor the APC leadership has issued an official response to Faleke’s endorsement.

Did Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin

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Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano

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Governor of Kano State Abba Kabir Yusuf and his former deputy Comrade Aminu Abdussalam
Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf and his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam

Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has alleged that his former deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, attempted to remove him from office and take over the leadership of the state government.

Governor Yusuf made the claim during a meeting with a group of praise singers known as “Mawallafan Abba Gida Gida” at the Government House in Kano, where he spoke extensively on internal political developments within his administration and party structure.

He said the alleged move was part of an attempt to destabilise his government, insisting that he was not responsible for any actions that led to the deputy governor’s exit from office.

“Today, the deputy governor who came with us on the same ticket is no longer with us. Nobody offended him. In fact, I have not even seen his resignation letter,” he said.

The governor further alleged that the former deputy’s actions were aimed at replacing him, stating that the attempt did not succeed.

“Whatever made him act that way was an attempt to remove me and take the position, but God did not allow it,” Yusuf added.

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Governor Yusuf also questioned internal political decisions within the Kwankwasiyya political structure, suggesting that the former deputy governor was sidelined despite his contributions and aspirations within the movement.

He raised concerns over what he described as inconsistencies in political appointments and succession planning, arguing that some individuals were being favoured over long-standing members of the group.

“The deputy governor who left, hoping to secure that ticket, what did he do wrong? Why not give him the ticket? Is that not a betrayal of him?” he queried.

The governor, however, maintained that his administration remains stable and focused on governance, adding that political distractions would not derail development efforts in Kano State.

He also dismissed suggestions that recent political developments within his camp amounted to betrayal on his part, insisting that his decisions were taken in the interest of the people of Kano.

According to him, critics who accuse him of disloyalty are ignoring the internal challenges that led to recent political realignments.

He argued that key decisions within the political movement were taken without proper consultation, raising questions about internal democracy and inclusion.

Yusuf further maintained that his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was necessary to prevent political uncertainty and protect the interests of millions of Kano residents.

He said efforts to resolve internal disagreements within the party were unsuccessful, forcing his administration to take a different political direction.

“We saw the direction the party was heading and offered advice, but it was ignored. God showed us the way, and we left because we did not want to put millions of Kano residents in uncertainty,” he said.

The governor also accused unnamed political actors of promoting individuals he described as former opponents of the Kwankwasiyya movement, questioning what he called “political betrayal” within the system.

He maintained that his administration remains open to credible individuals interested in serving as deputy governor, following the exit of his former deputy.

Political observers say the remarks highlight deepening tensions within Kano’s political landscape, where internal disagreements and shifting alliances continue to shape governance and party structures ahead of future elections.

The former deputy governor has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Gov Yusuf Accuses Former Deputy of Attempted Power Grab in Kano

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