A group of political stakeholders have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties after a court ruling faulted their political performance records and failure to meet statutory guidelines.
The stakeholders requested that the INEC should put a restraining order on ADC, Action People’s Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, disclosing that order should also restrain the parties from campaigns, rallies, primaries, and other political activities nationwide. Plaintiffs also want INEC barred from recognizing them unless constitutional provisions are met.
At The Federal High Court on Monday, the plaintiffs disclosed that the parties have been underperforming, and undermines electoral credibility and clutters the ballot for serious contesters across the country, submitting that INEC is constitutionally bound to remove parties that consistently fail to meet statutory benchmarks, adding that it could possibly shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Presiding Judge, Peter Lifu, delivered the ruling in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 as filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which prayed for the nullifying of the parties, citing Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution.
They stated that the five party’s failed to secure 25 per cent votes in any state during presidential polls, also adding that they also did not win any elective seat at national, state, or local government level. They argued that compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 remains mandatory for continued recognition.
INEC has not issued an official response to the court directive. Legal experts say the commission must now review party performance records against constitutional requirements to determine deregistration eligibility.
The ruling intensifies debate over party proliferation and ballot management ahead of 2027. If enforced, INEC’s action could reduce Nigeria’s registered parties significantly and alter political alignments before general elections.