The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 24 for the commencement of hearing in a suit seeking the deregistration of four political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL). The group is urging the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the affected parties from the official register, alleging that they failed to meet constitutional requirements on electoral performance.
The parties listed in the suit are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance. INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation are named as defendants.
According to court documents, the plaintiff anchored its case on Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022. The NFFL argued that the parties failed to satisfy stipulated benchmarks, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election, winning at least one local government area in a governorship election, or obtaining a seat in any election from councillorship to the National Assembly.
The group maintained that the affected parties have not won any elective positions since their registration and therefore no longer meet the criteria required to retain their status as registered political parties.
In the reliefs sought, the plaintiff is asking the court to declare that INEC is constitutionally obligated to enforce the performance thresholds and that continued recognition of the parties contravenes existing legal provisions. It also wants the court to compel INEC to deregister the parties and restrain the commission from recognising their congresses, primaries, campaigns, or participation in the 2027 elections unless they fully comply with constitutional standards.
In a supporting affidavit sworn by Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, the plaintiff accused INEC of failing to discharge its constitutional duties by retaining parties that allegedly lack representation across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The NFFL further argued that permitting the parties to contest in 2027 could overcrowd ballot papers, overburden electoral administration, and create confusion among voters. It stated that the suit was initiated in the public interest to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions and strengthen democratic governance.
The matter has been assigned to Justice Peter Lifu for hearing.
