The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to February 24, 2026, the hearing of a suit seeking to compel the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and other political parties over alleged breaches of the Nigerian Constitution.

Akahi News gathered that the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and five political parties — African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance.

Stalled Hearing and Plaintiff’s Statement

The matter was initially scheduled for mention before Justice Peter Lifu but was not heard. Following the adjournment, counsel for the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told journalists that the action seeks a judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

“We are before the court purely for constitutional interpretation. Some parties, in our view, have acted in breach of the Constitution, and we seek the court’s guidance on the relevant provisions,” Ruba said.

Court documents indicate that the suit was commenced by originating summons pursuant to Section 225(A) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and relevant provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

Core Issues in Dispute

The central question is whether INEC is constitutionally bound to deregister political parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds prescribed by law. These thresholds include securing at least 25 per cent of votes cast in one state in a presidential election, winning a local government area in a governorship election, or clinching at least one seat in elections ranging from councillorship to the National Assembly.

The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether INEC is empowered or obligated to enforce these benchmarks against parties that allegedly failed to win any ward, legislative seat, or elective office in previous elections. Other questions include whether the parties remain eligible as legally registered political parties and whether INEC can lawfully recognise or give effect to their political activities, including congresses, primaries, campaigns, and participation in the 2027 general elections, without strict compliance with the Constitution.

Reliefs Sought

Among the reliefs are declaratory orders affirming that INEC is duty-bound to enforce constitutional benchmarks before party registration and election participation. The plaintiffs are also seeking orders compelling INEC to deregister the affected parties and mandatory injunctions restraining the commission from recognising, accepting, or giving effect to any activities or correspondence from the parties unless they comply fully with constitutional and statutory requirements.

In an affidavit supporting the summons, Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and National Coordinator of the forum, accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional duty by continuing to recognise political parties that allegedly failed minimum performance thresholds.

According to the affidavit, the affected parties have not won a single elective seat at any level of government, nor secured the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes in at least one state in presidential elections. The forum warned that allowing these parties to participate in the 2027 general elections could “clog ballot papers, overstretch administrative resources and mislead voters.”

Public Interest and Court Adjournment

The National Forum of Former Legislators described the suit as a public interest action aimed at strengthening democracy and ensuring the rule of law ahead of future elections.

Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter to February 24, 2026, for further proceedings.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News.
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