The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24, 2026, to hear a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties over alleged constitutional breaches.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the affected parties — ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance.
The matter, initially slated for mention before Justice Peter Lifu on Monday, was not heard and was subsequently adjourned.
Constitutional Interpretation at the Core
Counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told journalists that the action seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties.
“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 filed 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 Rules.
At issue is whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to meet prescribed electoral performance benchmarks.
These thresholds include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election, winning a local government area in a governorship poll, or obtaining at least one elective seat from councillorship to the National Assembly.
Allegations of Non-Compliance
In an affidavit deposed to by Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the forum, the plaintiffs alleged that the affected parties have failed to win any elective position since their registration.
The affidavit further claimed the parties did not secure the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes in any state during presidential elections, nor achieve representation across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The plaintiffs argued that INEC’s continued recognition of the parties amounts to a breach of constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act 2022.
They are seeking declaratory orders affirming that INEC is duty-bound to enforce constitutional benchmarks, as well as mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining the commission from recognising or accepting any political activities including congresses, primaries and participation in the 2027 general elections unless strict compliance is demonstrated.
Describing the case as a public interest suit, the forum warned that failure to enforce the thresholds could “clog ballot papers, overstretch administrative resources and mislead voters” ahead of future elections.
Justice Lifu adjourned proceedings to February 24, 2026, for further hearing.
