Court Orders INEC To Deregister ADC, Four Other Political Parties

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.

The affected parties are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The decision was handed down by Justice Peter Lifu in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026.

In the case, the forum asked the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to deregister political parties that fail to meet the performance standards outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations.

The plaintiffs argued that the five political parties had repeatedly failed to satisfy the constitutional benchmarks required to maintain their registration. These benchmarks include obtaining 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.

According to the forum, the affected parties failed to record meaningful electoral success in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, securing no significant representation across major levels of government.

The plaintiffs maintained that allowing such parties to remain registered weakens the credibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Among the reliefs sought, the forum requested a declaration that INEC is legally required to deregister political parties that fail to meet constitutional performance standards. It also sought an order compelling the electoral commission to take action before preparations for the 2027 general elections advance further.

In addition, the plaintiffs asked the court to restrain the affected parties from participating in elections or engaging in political activities, including campaigns, rallies, congresses, and primary elections. They further sought an order preventing INEC from recognising or dealing with the parties in any official capacity unless they meet constitutional requirements.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly for politicians and aspirants currently associated with the affected parties, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.