The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties over their failure to meet constitutional electoral requirements.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Monday while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026.
The other affected parties are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the parties had consistently failed to satisfy the constitutional performance benchmarks required for continued registration.
The National Forum of Former Legislators had asked the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to meet the performance thresholds outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations.
The plaintiffs argued that the affected political parties had repeatedly failed to achieve the constitutional standards necessary to retain their status as registered political parties.
According to the former lawmakers, the requirements include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective position at the national, state or local government level.
They told the court that the ADC and the four other parties performed poorly during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections conducted by INEC, failing to secure seats across major levels of government.
The plaintiffs further argued that the continued recognition of the parties despite their electoral performance undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
They urged the court to declare that INEC has a constitutional duty to deregister such parties and compel the commission to implement the directive before preparations for the 2027 general elections progress further.
The suit also sought an order restraining the affected parties from participating in elections or engaging in political activities, including campaigns, rallies and primary elections, while also preventing INEC from recognising them unless they fully comply with constitutional provisions.
The ruling may have significant implications for several politicians seeking elective offices on the platforms of the affected parties.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is currently the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.
The judgment is expected to shape discussions on the future of the affected parties and their candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
