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

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