The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for failing to satisfy constitutional requirements governing the continued registration of political parties in Nigeria.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Peter Lifu directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the affected parties from its register after finding that they failed to secure the minimum electoral performance required by law.
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 court also ordered INEC not to permit the affected parties to participate in future elections, including the 2027 general elections, on the grounds that they failed to meet the constitutional threshold for political relevance and electoral performance.
Before reaching its decision, the court dismissed all preliminary objections filed by the defendants, clearing the way for substantive consideration of the case.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. The group named INEC as the first defendant and also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation in the proceedings.
The plaintiff argued that the affected political parties had failed to satisfy constitutional provisions relating to electoral spread and performance during recent elections.
According to the forum, political parties are expected to attain a minimum level of electoral support, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in prescribed elections, to justify their continued existence within Nigeria’s political system.
The group maintained that the parties failed to meet these requirements and urged the court to compel INEC to deregister them.
It further argued that none of the affected parties successfully rebutted the claims presented before the court regarding their electoral performance and compliance with constitutional standards.
Following its review of the arguments and evidence before it, the court ruled in favour of the plaintiff and ordered the deregistration of the five political parties.
The judgment is expected to generate significant political and legal discussions, particularly as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the affected parties retain the right to challenge the judgment at the appellate courts should they choose to contest the decision.
