Court sets February 24 to hear suit seeking deregistration of ADC, three other parties

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24, 2026, to commence hearing of a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), along with three other political parties, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The suit, filed under FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25 by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), targets the ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance. The plaintiffs argue that these parties have failed to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds required under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

Basis of the Suit

According to the NFFL, the affected parties have not met statutory benchmarks, including:

Securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state in a presidential election

Winning a local government area in a governorship election

Securing at least one seat in elections ranging from councillorship to the National Assembly

The suit seeks to clarify whether INEC is obligated to enforce these thresholds and whether the parties remain eligible to operate legally and participate in elections.

Plaintiff’s Claims

In an affidavit deposed by Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and National Coordinator of NFFL, the plaintiff claims:

The parties have failed to win any elective office at all levels since their registration.

INEC continues to recognize these parties despite noncompliance with Section 225(A) of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.

Participation of these parties in upcoming elections could mislead voters, congest ballot papers, and overextend administrative resources.

The plaintiff is asking the court to:

Declare that INEC must enforce constitutional benchmarks for political party recognition.

Deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance.

Issue injunctions preventing the parties from conducting congresses, primaries, campaigns, or other political activities until full compliance is achieved.

Next Steps

The matter has been assigned to Justice Peter Lifu for adjudication, with proceedings set to begin on February 24.

This case highlights the growing legal scrutiny over the operational legitimacy of smaller opposition parties in Nigeria, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.