Court Orders INEC To Deregister ADC, Four Other Political Parties

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, ruling that they failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued recognition.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on Monday, affects the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The case was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties no longer satisfied the constitutional conditions required to remain on Nigeria’s register of political parties.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether INEC was obligated to deregister political parties that failed to meet performance benchmarks stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant electoral guidelines.

The former lawmakers contended that the parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent electoral contests, failing to secure the minimum electoral thresholds required by law.

They argued that the parties neither won elective positions at the federal, state or local government levels nor achieved the required vote percentages in presidential elections, making their continued registration inconsistent with constitutional provisions.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu agreed with the plaintiffs and held that INEC should remove the affected parties from its register for failing to comply with the constitutional standards governing political party operations.

The court also restrained the five parties from participating in elections or carrying out political activities, including campaigns, rallies and primary elections.

In addition, INEC was barred from recognising the parties or conducting official electoral business with them pending compliance with the judgment.

The decision could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections, although the affected parties are expected to explore legal options, including appeals against the ruling.