The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed applications filed by several individuals, including the Governor of Ademola Adeleke, seeking to be joined in a case challenging the legality and continued existence of some political parties.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the applicants were not necessary parties in the matter, which concerns a suit seeking the deregistration of certain political parties over alleged constitutional violations. The court subsequently fixed 5 June for judgment after hearing final arguments on the substantive suit.
The case, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, targets several political parties, including the Independent National Electoral Commission as a key respondent alongside affected political parties such as the ADC, Accord, APP, and others.
The court held that since the political parties involved were already defendants in the case, adding individual politicians was unnecessary. It also refused requests to halt proceedings, stating that doing so at an advanced stage would cause undue hardship and delay ahead of upcoming elections.
The judge emphasized that higher courts have consistently advised against unnecessary stays of proceedings and ruled that the arguments presented by the applicants lacked merit.
The suit raises significant constitutional questions regarding the eligibility of political parties, with the plaintiff arguing that parties must meet specific electoral performance thresholds to remain valid under Nigerian law. The plaintiff’s counsel urged the court to order the deregistration of the affected parties, claiming they failed to meet required standards.
Legal representatives of the parties, however, argued for dismissal of the suit and urged the court to impose costs, insisting that ongoing appeals should be respected.
Justice Lifu adjourned the matter for judgment while noting that all issues raised by the parties, including appellate considerations, would be reviewed before a final decision is reached.
