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The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24, 2026, to commence hearing in a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties over alleged breaches of constitutional provisions. The adjournment follows a brief appearance on Monday, February 16, 2026, where proceedings could not proceed due to the absence of the presiding judge.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), a group comprising ex-federal lawmakers. The plaintiff is asking the court for a declaration that the affected parties have failed to meet the minimum electoral performance thresholds required under Sections 222 and 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower INEC to deregister parties that do not satisfy criteria such as winning seats in national or state assemblies or securing a specified percentage of votes in elections.
Defendants in the case include INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and the five political parties: African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (AP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Alliance (AA), and Action Peoples Party (APP). The NFFL alleges that these parties have not demonstrated sufficient electoral viability or grassroots support, rendering their continued registration contrary to constitutional requirements for political party sustainability.
The matter was initially slated for mention or hearing before Justice Peter Lifu on February 16, but the session was stalled due to the judge's unavailability. With the consent of counsel for all parties, the court registrar adjourned the case to February 24, 2026, for substantive proceedings.
Lead counsel for the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), speaking to journalists after the adjournment, clarified that the suit primarily seeks a judicial interpretation of relevant constitutional and statutory provisions governing the registration, recognition, and potential deregistration of political parties in Nigeria. He emphasized that the action aims to enforce compliance with electoral laws and prevent the proliferation of inactive or non-performing parties that could undermine the democratic process.
The suit has drawn particular attention to the ADC, which has recently attracted high-profile politicians, including former Senate President David Mark as its national chairman and other opposition figures reportedly positioning it as a platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. Critics view the legal challenge as potentially aimed at disrupting emerging coalitions, though the plaintiff maintains it is a public interest matter focused on constitutional adherence rather than political targeting.
INEC, under the Electoral Act 2022 and constitutional provisions, has the authority to deregister parties that fail to meet performance benchmarks, such as winning at least one seat in the National Assembly or a state assembly in consecutive elections. The commission has previously deregistered dozens of parties in 2020 for similar reasons, reducing the number of registered parties significantly.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's multi-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections. If successful, it may lead to the removal of these parties from the register, barring them from fielding candidates, participating in primaries, congresses, or campaigns. Conversely, a dismissal could reinforce the status quo and affirm INEC's discretion in such matters.
Political analysts note that the suit tests the boundaries of INEC's enforcement powers and the judiciary's role in interpreting electoral thresholds. The affected parties have yet to file formal responses publicly, but legal teams are expected to argue defenses based on compliance records, ongoing activities, or interpretations of the law.
As February 24 approaches, stakeholders—including political parties, civil society groups, and election observers—are closely monitoring developments. The hearing before Justice Lifu is anticipated to feature arguments from Senior Advocates representing the parties, potentially setting a precedent for future deregistration challenges.
This case forms part of broader preparations for the 2027 polls, where political alignments, party viability, and legal compliance will shape Nigeria's democratic landscape.
