A legal battle that could reshape Nigeria’s political field before the 2027 general elections is set to begin on February 24, as the Federal High Court in Abuja opens hearing on a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister four political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The ADC, which currently counts among its members a coalition of opposition figures working to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, is listed alongside the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance as parties the plaintiff wants barred from further participation in elections.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL).
The group argues that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional performance benchmarks required to retain registration.
Citing Section 225(A) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the plaintiff contends that INEC is either empowered or obligated to deregister parties that do not achieve minimum electoral thresholds.
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Among the criteria allegedly unmet are 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.
According to the plaintiff, the ADC and the other listed parties failed to win any ward, legislative seat, or executive office in previous elections, yet continue to enjoy full legal recognition.
In addition to the political parties, both INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation are cited as defendants in the matter.
The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether the electoral body can lawfully continue to recognise the parties’ congresses, primaries, campaigns, and participation in the 2027 elections without strict compliance with constitutional provisions.
It is further seeking declarations that INEC is duty-bound to enforce the prescribed benchmarks as a precondition for party registration and continued participation in elections.
The suit also requests mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining INEC from accepting or giving effect to any political activities or correspondence from the affected parties unless they fully comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.
In an affidavit deposed to by Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, the plaintiff accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional responsibility by maintaining the registration of parties that allegedly failed to meet minimum standards.
The affidavit claims the parties did not secure the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes in at least one state in presidential elections, nor achieve representation across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
It argued that allowing them to participate in 2027 could “clog the ballot paper, overstretch administrative resources, and mislead voters.”
Describing the action as one filed in the public interest, the NFFL said its aim is to enforce constitutional compliance, strengthen democratic standards, and uphold the rule of law.
The case has been assigned to Justice Peter Lifu for adjudication, with proceedings expected to clarify the scope of INEC’s powers to deregister underperforming political parties ahead of the next electoral cycle.
