Court Set Date for Hearing on Suit to Deregister ADC, Three Other Parties

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set February 24 for the hearing of a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and three other political parties.

The suit asks the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the ADC from the list of registered political parties. The party includes opposition figures aligned against President Bola Tinubu’s expected re-election bid.

Also listed in the case are the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance.

The matter, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL). INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation are named as defendants.

The plaintiff argues that the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements on electoral performance. It relies on Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

According to the NFFL, the affected parties did not secure at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election, win a local government area in a governorship poll, or obtain at least one seat in elections ranging from councillorship to the National Assembly.

The group is asking the court to determine whether INEC is required to enforce these benchmarks and whether the parties remain eligible for legal recognition. It also seeks a declaration that INEC must apply the constitutional thresholds before allowing political parties to conduct congresses, primaries, campaigns or participate in the 2027 general elections.

In addition, the plaintiff is requesting orders directing INEC to deregister the parties and restrain the commission from recognising any of their political activities unless they comply with constitutional and statutory provisions.

An affidavit filed in support of the suit by Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, alleges that the parties have not won any elective office since their registration. He further contends that INEC has continued to recognise them despite their performance in past elections.

The NFFL says the action was filed in the public interest to ensure adherence to constitutional standards.

The case has been assigned to Justice Peter Lifu.