A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for failing to satisfy constitutional requirements governing political party operations in Nigeria.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on Monday, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the affected parties from its register and bar them from participating in future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
The political parties affected by the ruling are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Justice Lifu held that the parties failed to meet the constitutional threshold required for continued recognition as political parties under Nigerian law.
The court ruled that the parties did not secure at least 25 per cent of votes in the relevant elections as required by constitutional provisions regulating political party status and electoral participation.
Before delivering judgment, the court dismissed several preliminary objections filed by the defendants challenging the suit.
The case was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators through a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026.
The group named INEC as the first defendant and also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation in the legal action.
According to the plaintiff, the affected political parties failed to comply with constitutional provisions relating to electoral performance and national spread.
The forum argued that political parties are required to maintain a certain level of electoral relevance and performance to remain registered under the law.
It further contended that none of the parties successfully rebutted the arguments presented before the court regarding their alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements.
Following its findings, the court ordered INEC to proceed with the deregistration process and prevent the affected parties from participating in subsequent electoral contests.
The ruling represents a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The decision could also reshape political alignments and coalition-building efforts as smaller political parties seek alternative legal and political options following the court’s verdict.
As of the time of the ruling, there was no immediate indication from INEC regarding the implementation timeline for the court’s directive.
The judgment is expected to generate reactions from political stakeholders, legal experts and party supporters as discussions continue over electoral reforms and the future of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.
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