The political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections may be set for a major shakeup following a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, issued the order in a judgment delivered in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
Besides the ADC, the court ordered the reregistration of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), citing their failure to satisfy constitutional requirements for continued registration as political parties.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, challenged the continued recognition of the parties by INEC despite what the plaintiffs described as poor electoral performance over successive elections.
The plaintiffs argued that Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations, empowers and obligates the electoral commission to remove political parties that fail to meet prescribed electoral thresholds.
According to the former lawmakers, political parties are expected to demonstrate a minimum level of electoral support by securing at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning elective positions at the federal, state, or local government levels. They told the court that the five affected parties failed to meet these benchmarks during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by elections, recording poor performances and failing to secure significant representation across the country’s political structureThe plaintiffs maintained that allowing such parties to remain registered undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system and contributes to the proliferation of inactive political platforms.
In its ruling, the court agreed with the arguments presented and held that INEC must take the necessary steps to deregister the affected parties in line with constitutional provisions.
The court also granted reliefs seeking to prevent the parties from participating in future electoral activities, including campaigns, rallies, congresses, conventions, and primary elections, pending compliance with constitutional requirements.
Furthermore, INEC was restrained from according the affected parties official recognition unless they satisfy the legal conditions for registration.
The ruling is expected to generate significant political reactions, particularly because of its potential impact on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Of particular interest is the ADC, which has recently emerged as a major platform for opposition politicians ahead of the next presidential contest. The party has attracted several prominent political figures and has been mentioned as a possible vehicle for a broad opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling APC in 2027.
Political observers believe the judgment, if upheld and implemented, could affect the ambitions of several high profile politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other aspirants who may be considering contesting elections on the platforms of the affected parties.
Legal experts, however, note that the judgment may not be the final word on the matter, as the affected parties are expected to explore appellate options that could delay or overturn the reregistration order.
The development has added a fresh layer of uncertainty to Nigeria’s evolving political environment, with stakeholders closely watching INEC’s next steps and the likely legal battles that may follow.
