The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties over their alleged failure to satisfy constitutional requirements for continued recognition.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, the court directed INEC to remove the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (AP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) from the register of political parties.
The ruling followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which challenged the continued registration of the parties on the grounds that they had failed to meet the minimum electoral performance benchmarks prescribed by law.
The plaintiffs argued that under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and relevant INEC regulations, political parties that consistently fail to achieve specified electoral thresholds are liable to deregistration.
According to the suit, the affected parties did not secure the level of electoral support required to retain their status, including winning at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or obtaining elective positions at the national, state or local government levels.
The former lawmakers further contended that the parties recorded poor performances during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to win seats across major tiers of government.
They maintained that allowing such parties to remain on the electoral register undermines the credibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
After reviewing the arguments, the court held that INEC has a constitutional responsibility to enforce provisions governing the registration and deregistration of political parties and ordered the commission to take the necessary steps against the affected parties.
In addition to directing their deregistration, the court granted an order restraining the five parties from participating in electoral activities pending compliance with the judgment.
The ruling effectively bars the parties from conducting campaigns, rallies, congresses, primaries, or any other political activities connected to future elections.
The court also issued an injunction preventing INEC from recognising, engaging with, or dealing with the affected parties in any official capacity.
The judgment is expected to have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.
