Court Fixes May 5 To Hear Suit Seeking Deregistration Of ADC, Other

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has scheduled Tuesday, May 5, for the hearing of a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several other political parties over alleged constitutional violations.

CityMirrorNews reports that Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date after granting an application by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators to amend their originating summons to include additional parties allegedly in breach of electoral requirements.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, lists the ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance as defendants, alongside INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

In a brief ruling, the judge directed all parties yet to respond to the amended processes to do so promptly, noting that the case is both time-sensitive and of significant public interest.

Justice Lifu stressed the urgency of resolving the matter ahead of political party primaries for the 2027 general elections. He subsequently ordered all parties to file their processes before May 1 and adjourned proceedings to May 5 for a definite hearing.

The plaintiffs are seeking declaratory relief affirming that INEC is constitutionally obligated to enforce compliance with requirements for party registration, recognition, and participation in elections.

They also asked the court to compel the electoral body to deregister the affected parties and to refrain from recognising or acting on any correspondence from them until they meet constitutional and statutory conditions.

In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the forum, the plaintiffs alleged that the parties failed to meet the constitutional threshold of securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during presidential elections, as well as maintaining a nationwide political presence.

They further warned that allowing such parties to participate in the 2027 elections could “clog ballot papers, overstretch administrative resources and mislead voters.”

The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape as preparations intensify for the next general elections.