Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and several other political parties over alleged constitutional violations.
The ruling was delivered on Monday, June 15, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against INEC and a number of political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
In the suit, the plaintiffs argued that the affected political parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance and national spread.
According to the applicants, political parties are required to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in prescribed elections to maintain their legal status and continued participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The plaintiffs urged the court to direct INEC to deregister the parties, contending that none of the defendants had effectively rebutted the legal arguments presented before the court.
Delivering judgment, Justice Lifu granted the request and ordered the electoral commission to proceed with the deregistration of the affected parties.
The ruling could have significant political implications ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the ADC.
The judgment may also impact Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is expected to seek re-election in the August 15 governorship election under the platform of the Accord Party.
As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether the affected political parties or INEC will challenge the decision at the appellate court.
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