The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday heard arguments in a suit seeking the deregistration of five political parties over alleged constitutional non-compliance, adjourning proceedings to March 24, 2026, for rulings on pending applications.
Justice Peter Lifu presided over the matter filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and six political parties.
At the heart of the dispute is the interpretation of Section 225A of the Fourth Alteration Act (2017) to the 1999 Constitution, which empowers INEC to deregister political parties that fail to meet stipulated electoral benchmarks.
The NFFL is asking the court to compel INEC to deregister the AfricDemocratic Congress (ADC)
Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), ction Peoples Party (APP)
The plaintiff argues that the parties allegedly failed to meet constitutional performance thresholds required to retain registration.
Objections and Jurisdiction Challenge
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the ADC and Accord Party sought extension of time to file counter-affidavits and additional written addresses.
Leading counsel to ADC, Shaibu Enejo Aruwa (SAN), informed the court that the party had challenged the court’s jurisdiction and argued it was not properly joined at the inception of the suit.
Following submissions from all sides, Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to March 24 for rulings on the applications and preliminary objections.
‘Public Interest Litigation’
Speaking after the proceedings, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, Raphael Igbokwe, described the suit as a public interest action aimed at strengthening electoral jurisprudence.
He questioned why INEC had not applied Section 225A uniformly, recalling that 74 political parties were deregistered ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Lead counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), maintained that the case is strictly about constitutional interpretation and safeguarding democratic integrity.
“We are before the court purely for constitutional interpretation,” Ruba said, insisting that the judiciary must clarify whether the defendant parties remain constitutionally qualified to operate.
The outcome of the March 24 ruling could significantly shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.