Court orders deregistration of ADC, Accord, three others

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and four other political parties for failing to meet the constitutional requirements for political parties in the country.

Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the affected parties, having failed to secure 25 per cent of the votes in the last general elections in compliance with the provisions of the law.

Daily Trust quoted News Agency of Nigeria as reporting that the five political parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Justice Lifu, who earlier dismissed all the preliminary objections filed by the defendants, ordered INEC not to allow the parties to participate in subsequent elections, including the 2027 general elections, having failed to meet the constitutional threshold.

NAN reports that a group, the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 against the five political parties.

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The plaintiff, who also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) in the suit, named INEC as the 1st defendant.

The forum argued that the affected political parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral spread and performance.

It contended that political parties are required to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in prescribed elections to remain relevant under the law.

It therefore urged the court to order the deregistration of the parties, insisting that none of the defendants had effectively countered its arguments.’

Tosin Oyediran

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.

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