Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and other political parties from participating in the 2027 general elections, citing alleged constitutional breaches. The ruling, delivered on Monday, affects several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who now face exclusion from upcoming elections. The court’s decision stems from a lawsuit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, challenging the legal standing of these parties under Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The judgment, delivered in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, found that the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, APP, and Zenith Labour Party failed to meet constitutional requirements for political party registration and operation. Justice Lifu emphasized that these parties did not comply with provisions of the 1999 Constitution, particularly those relating to the structure, governance, and operational guidelines for political parties in Nigeria. As a result, the court declared them ineligible to field candidates in the 2027 general elections, including the presidential and governorship races.
This development has significant implications for Atiku Abubakar, who had planned to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the ADC. With the party now deregistered, he loses his official political vehicle for the election. Similarly, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who intends to seek re-election on August 15, 2027, under the Accord Party, is also barred from running. The court’s ruling effectively removes both leaders from the electoral race unless they can secure alternative party affiliations before the next election cycle.
The lawsuit was brought by the National Forum of Former Legislators, a group composed of former members of Nigeria’s National Assembly, who argued that the affected parties were not properly registered or maintained constitutional compliance. They contended that INEC had failed in its duty to enforce electoral regulations and ensure that only legally recognized parties could participate in elections. The court agreed, holding that INEC must take immediate action to remove the parties from the electoral register.
The judgment has sparked reactions across political circles, with some legal experts noting that the decision reinforces the importance of constitutional adherence in Nigeria’s democratic process. Others have raised concerns about the timing and potential impact on political stability ahead of the 2027 elections. INEC is now expected to act swiftly on the court’s order, which could reshape the political landscape in the coming months.
This ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding electoral integrity and ensuring that only constitutionally compliant parties can participate in Nigeria’s democratic elections. As the 2027 elections approach, political actors and aspiring candidates will need to navigate the new legal terrain, potentially leading to realignments and shifts in party dynamics across the country.
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