ABUJA – The Federal High Court in Abuja will begin hearing on February 24 a case seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party seen as part of a coalition opposing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. The suit also targets the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance, aiming to bar them from participating in the 2027 general elections.
Filed as FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25 by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), the suit alleges that these parties breached the Constitution by failing to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds. INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation are named as defendants.
The plaintiff argues that the parties failed to achieve key benchmarks, including securing at least 25% of votes in a state during a presidential election, winning any local government area in governorship elections, or securing at least one seat from councillorship to National Assembly.
The suit asks the court to determine whether INEC is legally required to enforce these thresholds and whether the parties remain eligible for registration and political activities, including primaries, campaigns, and participation in the 2027 elections. The NFFL further seeks orders compelling INEC to deregister the parties and restraining the commission from recognizing any political activity from them until they meet constitutional and statutory requirements.
In an affidavit supporting the suit, Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the NFFL, alleged that the parties have never won any elective office at any level and that INEC’s continued recognition violates both the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s guidelines. The plaintiff argues that allowing these parties to participate in upcoming elections could clutter ballots, overextend administrative resources, and mislead voters.
The NFFL emphasized that the suit is in the public interest to enforce constitutional compliance, strengthen democracy, and uphold the rule of law. The case has been assigned to Justice Peter Lifu.
