The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24 for the commencement of hearing in a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and three other political parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. The plaintiff is asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove the affected parties from the register of political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral performance thresholds. INEC and the Attorney General of the Federation have been listed as defendants.
Beyond the African Democratic Congress, the suit also targets the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance. The plaintiff argues that these parties have not satisfied the minimum constitutional requirements necessary to retain their status as registered political entities.
The action is anchored on Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 75 subsection 4 of the Electoral Act 2022. The plaintiff contends that the affected parties failed to secure at least 25 percent of votes in one state during a presidential election, win at least one local government area in a governorship election, or obtain a seat in elections ranging from councillorship to the National Assembly.
According to the National Forum of Former Legislators, the parties have not won any elective office since their registration. It maintains that continued recognition of the parties violates constitutional provisions that empower INEC to deregister underperforming political platforms.
In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, the plaintiff accused INEC of failing to discharge its constitutional responsibilities. The affidavit states that the parties allegedly have no representation across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The matter has been assigned to Justice Peter Lifu, who will preside over proceedings when the case is called on February 24.
The plaintiff is seeking multiple reliefs from the court, including declarations that INEC is constitutionally bound to enforce electoral performance benchmarks. It is also requesting orders compelling the commission to deregister the affected parties and restraining it from recognising their congresses, primaries, campaigns, or participation in the 2027 elections unless they fully comply with constitutional provisions.
If granted, the orders could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the next general elections by reducing the number of parties eligible to field candidates.
At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation and enforcement of constitutional thresholds introduced to streamline Nigeria’s multi party system. In previous electoral cycles, INEC has deregistered several parties on similar grounds following amendments to the Constitution and Electoral Act designed to curb the proliferation of non performing political platforms.
The plaintiff argues that failure to enforce these provisions risks undermining electoral efficiency and constitutional discipline.
Nigeria’s political party register has fluctuated over the years, particularly after reforms strengthened INEC’s powers to deregister parties that fail to meet defined electoral benchmarks. While advocates of deregistration argue it reduces administrative burdens and voter confusion, critics have warned that it may narrow political space and limit democratic participation.
The current suit revives that debate as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.
The plaintiff further contended that allowing the affected parties to contest in 2027 could overcrowd ballot papers, strain electoral logistics, and mislead voters. It described the action as being filed in the public interest to promote constitutional compliance and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic framework.
No formal response had been filed by the defendants at the time the hearing date was fixed.
With the February 24 hearing date set, attention will turn to how the court interprets INEC’s constitutional obligations and whether it will compel immediate enforcement of deregistration provisions.
The outcome could have far reaching implications for party participation in 2027 and may redefine the balance between political inclusivity and regulatory enforcement in Nigeria’s electoral system.
