The Federal Government has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party, in a move that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the suit, the Attorney General of the Federation is asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the affected parties from its official register, arguing that their continued recognition violates constitutional provisions guiding political participation in the country.
The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. INEC is listed as the first defendant, while the Attorney General of the Federation is named as the second defendant in the matter.
Also listed among the political parties facing possible deregistration are the Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
According to court documents, the Attorney General warned that failure to deregister the parties would amount to a breach of constitutional duty on the part of INEC. The government contends that allowing parties that do not meet the stipulated legal requirements to remain active undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral framework.
At the heart of the legal dispute is whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to meet electoral performance benchmarks as outlined in Nigerian law. The plaintiffs argue that once parties fall short of these standards, the electoral body has no discretion but to remove them from its register.
They maintain that the parties in question performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure the constitutionally required spread of votes or win elective positions at critical levels of government. Despite this, they argue, the parties continue to operate as recognized political platforms, a situation they describe as inconsistent with the law.
The suit specifically references Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations. These legal instruments, according to the plaintiffs, clearly define the minimum conditions that political parties must satisfy to remain registered.
In a supporting affidavit, the National Coordinator of the forum, Igbokwe Raphael Nnanna, described the continued existence of the affected parties as unlawful. He argued that permitting them to operate despite failing to meet constitutional thresholds is “unconstitutional, illegal and a violation” of Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The plaintiffs are therefore asking the court to declare that INEC is duty-bound to deregister any political party that fails to meet the required standards. They are also seeking an order compelling the commission to act before preparations for the 2027 general elections reach an advanced stage.
Beyond deregistration, the suit is pushing for stricter measures against the affected parties. It seeks to bar them from participating in future elections, including preventing them from fielding candidates or engaging in campaign activities such as rallies and primaries until they meet constitutional requirements.
Additionally, the plaintiffs want the court to restrain INEC from recognizing or engaging with the parties in any official capacity, arguing that such steps are necessary to restore discipline, credibility, and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Legal experts note that the outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s multi-party system. If the court grants the requests, it may lead to a reduction in the number of registered political parties, potentially altering the dynamics of political competition in the country.
The case also raises broader questions about the balance between encouraging political plurality and enforcing performance-based standards for party registration. While some analysts argue that stricter enforcement could strengthen the electoral system, others warn that it may limit political participation and reduce the diversity of voices in the democratic space.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not issued an official response to the suit. Observers say the commission’s position will be crucial, given its central role in regulating political parties and overseeing elections in Nigeria.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the legal battle is expected to draw significant attention from political stakeholders, civil society groups, and the general public, as it could redefine the framework within which political parties operate in Nigeria.
