Court Fixes May 5 for ADC Deregistration Suit

Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 5 to hear a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and some other political parties over alleged breaches of constitutional requirements, as pressure grows ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date after granting an application by the National Forum of Former Legislators to amend its case and add more parties to the suit. Those listed in the case include the ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance, while the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation are also defendants.

The case was brought by the group, which is asking the court to compel INEC to remove the affected parties from the register of political parties, claiming they failed to meet conditions required by law to remain registered.

During proceedings, the judge directed parties yet to respond to the amended suit to file their processes without delay. The court also ordered all parties involved to submit their responses before May 1, saying the matter should move quickly because of its public importance and the approach of party primaries ahead of the next elections.

The plaintiffs are arguing that INEC has a duty to enforce legal standards guiding political parties and should act against parties they claim have not met those conditions. They contend that some of the affected parties failed to satisfy constitutional benchmarks, including vote spread requirements and national presence expected of registered political parties.

According to the suit, the claimants believe allowing such parties to remain in the system could create confusion in the electoral process and increase pressure on election management.

The legal action also seeks an order stopping the affected parties from further participation in the electoral process unless they meet all requirements provided by law.

The hearing is expected to test arguments around the powers of INEC, the status of smaller political parties and the legal conditions guiding party registration in Nigeria.

The case is coming at a time political activities are gathering pace ahead of 2027, with parties preparing for congresses, primaries and coalition talks.

The outcome of the suit may also shape wider debates over party participation and electoral reforms as preparations for the next general election continue.