The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), after ruling that they failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance in the last general elections.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Peter Lifu directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the affected parties and bar them from participating in future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
The parties affected by the ruling are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the five political parties, with INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation joined as defendants.
Court cites failure to meet constitutional threshold
Delivering judgment, Justice Lifu held that the affected political parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance and spread.
The court agreed with the plaintiff’s argument that the parties did not secure the minimum threshold required under the law during the last general elections.
According to the judge, their inability to attain the prescribed electoral benchmark amounted to a violation of constitutional provisions governing the operation and continued registration of political parties in Nigeria.
The court also dismissed the preliminary objections raised by the affected parties, clearing the way for the substantive judgment.
Consequently, INEC was directed not to recognise or allow the parties to participate in any subsequent electoral process unless the judgment is overturned on appeal.
Background to the suit
The National Forum of Former Legislators argued that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional standards regarding electoral performance and national spread.
According to the plaintiff, political parties are required to achieve a specified level of electoral support to retain their legal status and remain eligible to participate in future elections.
The group maintained that none of the parties successfully challenged the substance of its claims and urged the court to enforce the constitutional provisions through deregistration.
Justice Lifu ultimately agreed with the plaintiff’s submissions and granted the reliefs sought.
Ruling comes amid ADC leadership disputes
The judgment comes at a significant period for the ADC, which has recently been involved in legal disputes concerning its leadership structure.
The development follows a separate ruling by the Supreme Court, which reportedly returned a leadership dispute involving the party to the Federal High Court for further determination.
In another related case, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed an appeal filed by former Senate President David Mark concerning the ADC’s internal leadership tussle after upholding a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
The respondents in that matter included Nafiu Bala Gombe, the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, Ralph Nwosu, and INEC.
Implications for 2027 elections
The ruling arrives as political parties continue to reorganise and strengthen their structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision, if upheld through the appellate process, could significantly alter the political landscape by reducing the number of parties eligible to participate in future elections.
It also comes at a time when INEC is making preparations for the next electoral cycle. Earlier this year, the electoral commission informed the National Assembly that it would require approximately N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections, in addition to N171 billion earmarked for its 2026 operational expenses.
The amount represents a substantial increase compared to the N313.4 billion released for the conduct of the 2023 general elections.
Political analysts say the case could have far-reaching implications for electoral participation, party regulation, and the broader political environment as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum.
