Court Rejects Ex-Senator’s Bid to Join Suit Seeking ADC Deregistration

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by former Bayelsa East senator, Clever Marcus Ikisikpo, to join an ongoing suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Presiding judge, Peter Lifu, struck out the application on Tuesday after the applicant failed to establish grounds for inclusion in the case.

Ikisikpo had approached the court through his lawyer, Kalu Agu, requesting to be joined as a co-plaintiff in the suit aimed at stopping the ADC from participating in the 2027 general elections.

The suit was filed by a group of former legislators who are asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party over alleged constitutional violations.

The plaintiffs opposed Ikisikpo’s application, arguing that he was not a member of their association and that his request to join the case was unnecessary. Their counsel, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba (SAN), also raised concerns about the basis of his involvement.

During proceedings, the court directed Ikisikpo’s lawyer to provide proof of his client’s membership in the plaintiff group. The request could not be met.

Justice Lifu ruled that Ikisikpo’s status as a former lawmaker did not automatically qualify him for membership of the association behind the suit. Following the court’s position, Agu withdrew the application, which was subsequently struck out.

The case also targets other political parties, including the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance, over alleged breaches of constitutional provisions.

The plaintiffs argue that INEC is required under Section 225 of the Constitution to deregister parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance benchmarks, such as winning seats or securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during presidential elections.

They are seeking court orders to compel INEC to enforce these provisions and to prevent the affected parties from participating in future elections until they comply. The group maintains that allowing such parties to remain on the ballot would increase costs and complicate the electoral process.