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 failure to meet constitutional requirements for continued recognition.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the order on Monday while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. (Daily Trust)
The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). (Punch Newspapers)
The court held that the parties failed to meet the electoral performance threshold required under the 1999 Constitution, including securing the required percentage of votes or winning elective positions. (Punch Newspapers)
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was filed by the former legislators’ forum, which argued that political parties that fail to satisfy constitutional benchmarks should lose their registration. (Punch Newspapers)
The plaintiff maintained that retaining non-performing parties weakens the electoral system and places additional pressure on election administration. It urged the court to compel INEC to enforce constitutional provisions on party registration and operations.
Justice Lifu also directed that the affected parties should not participate in future elections, including the 2027 general elections, having failed to meet the required legal conditions for political party status. (Punch Newspapers)
The ruling could have significant political implications, particularly for the ADC, which has recently attracted prominent opposition figures and was preparing for future electoral contests. (ThisDayLive)
The decision is expected to generate reactions from political stakeholders, with affected parties likely to explore available legal options. (Punch Newspapers)
