Court Orders INEC to Deregister ADC, Accord, Three Other Parties
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside four other political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements.
The affected parties include the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The ruling was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu following a suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
In the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to meet the performance standards outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines.
The former lawmakers argued that the five political parties had consistently failed to meet the electoral benchmarks required for continued recognition, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during presidential elections or winning at least one elective position at federal, state, or local government level.
They further contended that the parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure any meaningful representation across key levels of government.
According to the plaintiffs, the continued registration of the ADC and the other four parties undermines the integrity of the electoral process and is inconsistent with constitutional provisions.
They therefore urged the court to compel INEC to carry out deregistration of the affected parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The applicants also sought an order restraining the parties from participating in elections, conducting campaigns, or holding political rallies until they comply with constitutional requirements.
In addition, they asked the court to bar INEC from recognising or engaging with the affected parties in any official capacity unless they meet the stipulated legal standards.
