Court to Hear Suit on Deregistration of ADC and Others on May 5

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled May 5 for the hearing of a legal case demanding the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance, citing alleged violations of electoral laws. The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, seeks to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce constitutional requirements for political party registration. Justice Peter Lifu granted the plaintiffs leave to amend their suit, adding more parties and reinforcing the legal grounds for the action. The court emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting its implications for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Justice Lifu’s ruling stressed that the case is of public interest and must be resolved without delay, particularly as party primaries are approaching. He directed all parties yet to respond to the amended suit to do so promptly. The court also ordered all parties to file their processes before May 1, setting the hearing date for May 5. This timeline reflects the court’s recognition of the need for timely resolution ahead of electoral activities.

The plaintiffs argue that INEC has a constitutional duty to ensure political parties meet legal thresholds to remain registered. They claim that the named parties have failed to secure at least 25 per cent of the votes in one state during presidential elections, a requirement under the Constitution. Additionally, the parties are accused of lacking national representation, another key condition for registration. These failures, according to the plaintiffs, render the parties ineligible to participate in elections.

In an affidavit filed by the group’s chairman, Igbokwe Nnanna, the Forum highlighted the risks of allowing non-compliant parties to remain on the ballot. They warned that such parties could clutter ballot papers, overstretch electoral resources, and mislead voters. The suit also names the Attorney-General of the Federation as a defendant, underscoring the legal and constitutional dimensions of the case.

The case raises important questions about electoral integrity and the enforcement of legal standards for political parties in Nigeria. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the outcome of this legal challenge could influence the structure and competitiveness of the political landscape. The court’s decision may set a precedent for how INEC handles party compliance in the future.