Court Orders INEC to Deregister ADC, Four Other Parties

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties for failing to satisfy constitutional requirements governing political party participation in Nigeria.

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Monday, directing INEC to remove the affected parties from its register and prevent them from participating in future elections, including the 2027 general elections.

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

In his judgment, Justice Lifu held that the parties failed to secure the constitutional threshold required to maintain their registration, particularly the requirement relating to electoral performance in previous elections.

The judge ruled after dismissing several preliminary objections filed by the defendants, clearing the way for determination of the substantive issues raised in the suit.

The case was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, which challenged the continued registration of the five political parties.

The plaintiff joined INEC as the first defendant and also listed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as a party in the matter.

The forum argued that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional provisions relating to electoral spread and performance, contending that political parties are expected to secure a minimum threshold of electoral support to retain legal recognition.

According to the plaintiff, none of the parties successfully rebutted the arguments presented before the court regarding their failure to meet the required standards.

Justice Lifu agreed with the submissions and consequently ordered INEC to proceed with the deregistration of the five parties.

The ruling, if implemented, could have significant implications for the affected parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Further reactions from INEC and the affected political parties are expected.