The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued existence as registered political organisations.
The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Justice Peter Lifu issued the directive while delivering judgment in a suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which challenged the eligibility of the parties to remain on INEC's register.
The plaintiffs had approached the court, arguing that the parties failed to satisfy the electoral performance benchmarks stipulated in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and relevant INEC regulations.
According to the former lawmakers, political parties are required to demonstrate a minimum level of electoral support by securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning elective offices at the federal, state or local government levels.
They contended that the five parties failed to meet these requirements during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections conducted across the country.
The plaintiffs further argued that allowing the parties to continue operating despite their poor electoral performance amounted to a violation of constitutional provisions and weakened the integrity of Nigeria's democratic process.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the forum sought a declaration that INEC has a constitutional responsibility to deregister political parties that fail to attain the prescribed electoral thresholds.
They also asked the court to compel the electoral commission to remove the parties from its register ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Additionally, the plaintiffs sought orders restraining the affected parties from taking part in electoral activities, including conducting primaries, organising rallies, fielding candidates and participating in campaigns.
In his judgment, Justice Lifu agreed with the arguments of the plaintiffs and directed INEC to take the necessary steps to deregister the five parties.
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching political implications, particularly for the ADC, which has emerged as a prominent opposition platform ahead of the next election cycle.
The party is currently associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is widely expected to seek the presidency in 2027. Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is also a key figure within the party's growing coalition.
Political analysts say the judgment could alter calculations ahead of the 2027 elections if it is implemented, though legal experts expect the affected parties to challenge the ruling at the appellate courts.
Leave a Reply