A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out an application for joinder filed by Senator Clever Ikisikpo in the ongoing suit seeking the deregistration of political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and others.
The joinder application, which was intended to allow Ikisikpo participate in the proceedings, was withdrawn during the hearing after counsel to the plaintiffs challenged his standing before the court. The plaintiffs’ counsel argued that the senator is not a registered member of the National Forum of Former Legislators, the body that instituted the suit, thereby raising questions about his legal interest in the matter.
Following the withdrawal, the court formally struck out the joinder application.
The case, which has drawn significant attention due to its implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, also involves the Accord Party alongside other political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The plaintiffs are seeking judicial interpretation of constitutional provisions, particularly Section 225A of the Fourth Alteration Act (2017) of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines conditions under which political parties may be deregistered.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court also addressed multiple applications filed by the parties. It granted the request by Accord Party to file a further counter-affidavit, thereby allowing the party additional opportunity to respond to claims made in the suit. This move ensures that all parties have adequate time and procedural fairness in presenting their arguments before the court.
In addition, the court considered an application by the plaintiffs seeking to amend their originating summons. The request is aimed at refining and expanding the scope of the suit to properly reflect the parties involved and the issues for determination. However, the presiding judge deferred ruling on the application.
The matter was presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, who adjourned the case to April 17, 2026, for rulings on the pending applications and further proceedings. The adjournment effectively places the case on hold pending the court’s decisions on whether the proposed amendments will be allowed and how the suit will proceed thereafter.
The suit itself, initiated by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, seeks to compel INEC to enforce constitutional provisions uniformly across all political parties. The plaintiffs argue that political parties that fail to meet prescribed electoral thresholds should not continue to enjoy recognition, as this could undermine the integrity of the electoral system.
As the case progresses, it is expected to further test the interpretation of constitutional provisions governing political party registration and deregistration in Nigeria, with potential far-reaching implications for party operations and electoral regulation in the country.