Appeal Court Shifts ADC Deregistration Case to July 7

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday postponed the hearing of a legal challenge against the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties until July 7, 2026. The adjournment was granted after parties involved in the matter requested more time to file and exchange their legal arguments before the substantive hearing begins.

The case, which is being heard by a three-member panel led by Justice Abubakar Mohammed, was originally scheduled for hearing on June 25. During proceedings, counsel representing the Accord Party informed the court that the records of appeal and the judgment of the Federal High Court were only obtained earlier in the week and had already been transmitted to the appellate court.

Based on that development, the lawyer sought a brief adjournment to allow all parties prepare and exchange the necessary court documents. Other parties in the suit did not oppose the request, leading the court to move the matter to July 7.

Although a shorter period was requested for filing the documents, the court explained that some members of the panel would be away on official duties next week, making July 7 the earliest available date for the hearing.

The appeal followed a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Peter Lifu ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Zenith Labour Party. The court held that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements necessary to remain registered political parties and participate in future elections.

INEC, however, disagreed with the ruling and maintained that the parties fulfilled the legal conditions for registration. The electoral commission argued that candidates elected on the platforms of the affected parties had won elective positions in previous elections. To support its position, INEC presented certificates of return issued to those candidates.

The appeal court had earlier intervened in the matter on June 16 by granting a stay of execution of the Federal High Court judgment. That decision temporarily stopped INEC from carrying out the deregistration pending the outcome of the appeal.

In its ruling, the appellate court faulted the Federal High Court for delivering judgment despite an earlier directive to suspend proceedings in the case. The court held that proceeding with the matter under such circumstances went against established judicial procedures and the hierarchy of courts.

The legal dispute was initiated by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected political parties failed to achieve the level of electoral performance required under the Constitution and the Electoral Act. The group maintained that the parties did not secure enough electoral victories during the 2023 general election and subsequent by-elections to justify retaining their registration.

Despite those claims, INEC has continued to insist that the parties remain eligible to operate as registered political organisations because they recorded electoral successes in different parts of the country. The appellate court is expected to consider the arguments of all parties when the matter comes up again on July 7.