Court Blocks Ex-Senator’s Move to Join ADC Deregistration Suit

On Tuesday in Abuja, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court declined a request by former senator Clever Marcus Ikisikpo to join an ongoing suit seeking to stop the African Democratic Congress from taking part in the 2027 general elections.

Ikisikpo, who once represented Bayelsa East Senatorial District, had approached the court with an application asking to be included as a co-plaintiff in the case. Through his lawyer, he sought permission to join the group of former lawmakers who had already filed the suit against the party.

The request was challenged by the plaintiffs, who are former legislators pushing for the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties. Their lawyer argued that Ikisikpo was not a member of their group and had no basis to be part of the case. They also questioned the reason behind his attempt to join the suit.

During proceedings, the court asked Ikisikpo’s counsel to show proof that his client belonged to the association behind the case. The lawyer was unable to provide such evidence. The judge also made it clear that simply being a former lawmaker does not automatically make someone part of the group that filed the case.

Following this development, Ikisikpo’s lawyer withdrew the application, and the court struck it out.

The main suit, filed by the forum of former lawmakers, is asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister certain political parties, including the ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance.
The group argues that these parties failed to meet constitutional requirements related to electoral performance.

According to them, parties that do not secure a required share of votes in presidential elections or win seats in elections should not remain registered.
They are seeking court orders to direct INEC to enforce these rules and prevent the affected parties from taking part in future elections until they meet the conditions set by law.

The plaintiffs also warned that allowing such parties to stay on the ballot could lead to overcrowding, increase election costs, and affect the overall conduct of elections. The case continues as the court considers the broader issues raised in the suit.