The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24, 2026, to hear a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and several other political parties over alleged violations of constitutional provisions.
The case, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, lists the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants alongside five political parties, including the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance.
The matter, assigned to Justice Peter Lifu, was initially slated for mention but did not proceed.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to February 24 for hearing.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba, said the suit seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions guiding the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.
He explained that the action is aimed at determining whether some parties have acted contrary to the Constitution and whether the electoral body is obligated to enforce compliance.
Court documents indicate that the suit was initiated through an originating summons based on relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules.
At the centre of the dispute is whether INEC is constitutionally required to deregister political parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds.
These benchmarks include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election, winning a local government area in a governorship election, or obtaining at least one elective seat from councillorship to the National Assembly.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether INEC is empowered or compelled to enforce these standards against parties that allegedly failed to win any ward, legislative seat or elective office in previous elections.
They are also seeking clarity on whether such parties remain eligible for legal recognition and participation in political activities, including primaries, congresses, campaigns and the 2027 general elections.
Among the reliefs sought are declaratory orders affirming that INEC must enforce constitutional benchmarks as a condition for party registration and participation in elections.
The plaintiffs also want the court to compel the commission to deregister the affected parties and restrain it from recognising their activities unless they comply fully with constitutional and statutory requirements.
In an affidavit supporting the suit, deposed to by Igbokwe Nnanna, the forum accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional responsibilities by continuing to recognise parties that allegedly failed to meet required performance thresholds.
The group claimed that the parties have not won elective seats at any level of government and failed to secure the stipulated 25 per cent votes in at least one state during presidential elections.
The plaintiffs further argued that continued recognition of such parties could overcrowd ballot papers, strain administrative resources and mislead voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Describing the case as a public interest action, the forum urged the court to compel strict enforcement of constitutional provisions to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process and uphold the rule of law.
Justice Lifu adjourned proceedings to February 24, 2026, for further hearing.
