A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over their alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral requirements.
The affected parties are the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The ruling was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators. The case sought a judicial interpretation of INEC’s responsibility regarding political parties that fail to satisfy electoral performance standards outlined in the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.
According to the plaintiffs, the affected parties did not achieve the minimum electoral benchmarks required to maintain their registration. These include securing at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning elective positions at the federal, state, or local government levels.
The group argued that the parties recorded poor performances in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure representation across major levels of government.
They further maintained that allowing such parties to remain registered weakens the credibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s electoral system.
In its judgment, the court directed INEC to proceed with the deregistration of the five parties. The suit also sought restrictions preventing the affected parties from participating in elections, conducting campaigns, organising rallies, or holding primary elections unless they comply with constitutional provisions.
Political observers note that the ruling could have significant implications for the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly for aspirants seeking elective offices under the affected parties.
The development is expected to generate legal and political debates as stakeholders assess its impact on party participation and democratic competition in the country.
