The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24, 2026, to hear a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several other political parties over alleged constitutional violations.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation, and five political parties — the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance.
The matter, which came up for mention before Justice Peter Lifu yesterday, could not proceed and was subsequently adjourned to a new date for hearing.
Speaking to newsmen after the brief court session, counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), said the suit seeks a judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions regulating the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.
Court documents indicate that the action was commenced by originating summons pursuant to Section 225(A) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and relevant provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.
At the heart of the dispute is whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance benchmarks prescribed by law. Under the constitutional thresholds, a political party is required to secure at least 25 per cent of votes cast in one state in a presidential election, win at least one local government area in a governorship election, or obtain at least one elective seat ranging from councillorship to the National Assembly.
The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether INEC is duty-bound to enforce these standards against the affected parties, which it alleges have failed to win any ward, legislative seat, or elective office in previous elections.
Among the reliefs sought are declaratory orders affirming that INEC must enforce the constitutional benchmarks as a condition for party registration and participation in elections. The group is also seeking orders compelling the electoral body to deregister the affected parties.
In addition, the plaintiffs are praying the court to issue mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining INEC from recognising or giving effect to any political activities of the parties — including congresses, primaries, and participation in the 2027 general elections — unless they fully comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.
In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Chairman of the Board of Trustees and National Coordinator of the NFFL, Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, the group accused INEC of failing to discharge its constitutional duty by continuing to recognise political parties that allegedly fell short of required electoral benchmarks.
According to the affidavit, the affected parties have not secured any elective positions at the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state Assemblies, chairmanship, or councillorship levels since their registration. The group further claimed that the parties failed to obtain the constitutionally mandated 25 per cent of votes in at least one state during presidential elections.
Describing the action as a public interest suit, the forum argued that allowing such parties to remain on the ballot in 2027 could overstretch administrative resources, clutter ballot papers, and mislead voters.
Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to February 24, 2026, for further proceedings.
