By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 5, 2026, for hearing in a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister several political parties over alleged constitutional breaches. Justice Peter Lifu scheduled the hearing on Monday after granting an application by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) to amend its originating summons to include additional parties.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, is seeking the deregistration of: African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, Action Alliance Also listed as defendants are INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation. In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu directed all parties yet to respond to the amended originating summons to do so promptly, stressing the urgency and public importance of the matter.
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He ordered that all necessary legal processes be filed before May 1, ahead of the substantive hearing on May 5. The judge noted that with political parties preparing for primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, the case requires expedited determination. The plaintiffs are seeking declaratory orders affirming that INEC is constitutionally obligated to enforce compliance with legal requirements for the registration and continued existence of political parties.
They are also asking the court to: Compel INEC to deregister the affected parties, Restrain the electoral body from recognising or accepting correspondence from the parties until they comply with constitutional provisions. In a supporting affidavit deposed by Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, the plaintiffs alleged that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional thresholds.
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According to the affidavit, the parties: Did not secure at least 25 percent of votes in any state during presidential elections, Lack meaningful representation across Nigeria’s political structure, including wards, local governments, and states. The plaintiffs argued that continued recognition of such parties undermines electoral integrity.
The NFFL warned that failure to act could result in: Overcrowded ballot papers, Increased administrative burden on INEC and Potential confusion among voters. They further contended that allowing non-compliant parties to participate in elections could distort the democratic process.
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The case comes at a time of increasing political realignments and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Legal analysts note that the outcome could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly for smaller parties seeking relevance amid growing competition and coalition-building efforts. The matter is expected to proceed to full hearing on May 5, where the court will consider arguments from all parties before making a determination.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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