The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties for failing to meet the constitutional and electoral requirements necessary to retain their registration.
The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Court Delivers Landmark Judgment
The ruling was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu following a suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, sought judicial interpretation of INEC’s constitutional responsibility to deregister political parties that fail to satisfy the electoral performance requirements stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and relevant INEC regulations.
Why the Parties Face Deregistration
According to the plaintiffs, the affected political parties consistently failed to achieve the minimum electoral thresholds required by law.
Under Nigeria’s electoral framework, political parties are expected to meet certain performance benchmarks, including securing at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective office at the national, state, or local government level.
The National Forum of Former Legislators argued that the five parties failed to meet these standards during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections.
The plaintiffs maintained that the parties were unable to secure meaningful electoral representation across key levels of government, thereby falling short of constitutional requirements.
Plaintiffs Raise Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
The forum further argued that allowing parties with poor electoral performance to remain registered undermines the effectiveness, credibility, and integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to the group, strict enforcement of constitutional provisions governing party registration is necessary to strengthen the country’s electoral system and ensure that political parties maintain a demonstrable level of public support.
Consequently, the plaintiffs asked the court to compel INEC to fulfill what they described as its constitutional obligation to deregister non-performing political parties.
Court Sides with Plaintiffs
In his judgment, Justice Lifu agreed with the arguments advanced by the plaintiffs and directed INEC to proceed with the deregistration of the ADC, APP, AA, AP, and ZLP.
The court held that the affected parties failed to satisfy the constitutional and statutory requirements necessary to maintain their legal status as registered political parties.
The judgment also urged INEC to take the necessary steps before preparations for the 2027 general elections advance further.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
The ruling is expected to trigger widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among political stakeholders, legal experts, and electoral reform advocates.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the judgment could significantly reshape the political environment, especially for parties seeking to build alliances, field candidates, and mobilize supporters nationwide.
Political analysts believe the decision may also reignite debates over political party regulation, electoral reforms, and the criteria for sustaining party registration in Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
As attention turns to INEC’s next steps, many observers will be watching closely to see whether the affected parties challenge the judgment or pursue alternative legal remedies.
