The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 24, 2026, for a ruling on a joinder application in a case seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance due to alleged failure to comply with constitutional requirements.
The suit, filed as FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25 by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, names the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the four political parties as respondents.
Originally, the originating summons targeted only the ADC, but it was later amended to include the other parties, which the plaintiffs argue are in breach of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
During Tuesday’s proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu, counsel appeared for all parties except Action Alliance, which had two separate lawyers from different firms claiming to represent it.
Ibrahim Yakubu and Bello Lukman insisted they both held valid letters of instruction to act for the party but confirmed they were not acting jointly. Justice Lifu instructed them to reconcile their positions, warning that the court would “do the needful” if they failed.
In a separate motion, counsel for the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), requested leave to file a further counter-affidavit in opposition to the amended originating summons, arguing it was necessary to address important facts allegedly omitted previously. The plaintiff’s counsel, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba (SAN), opposed the motion, claiming no new facts had been introduced and describing the application as incompetent and unknown to law.
Other counsels, including S.E. Aruwa (SAN), applied for an extension of time to regularise their processes and challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case. Justice Lifu granted the extension of time and deemed the plaintiff’s reply on points of law properly filed.
The court adjourned to March 24 for ruling on the joinder application and other pending motions.
Ruba told journalists that the suit seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.
The plaintiffs argue that INEC is constitutionally obliged to deregister parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds, such as securing at least 25 percent of votes in one state in a presidential election or winning at least one elective seat at any level of government.
They are seeking declaratory orders to compel INEC to enforce these thresholds and injunctions restraining the commission from recognising the parties’ activities pending compliance. The plaintiffs further contended that allowing these parties to participate in the 2027 general elections would clutter ballot papers, waste public resources, and undermine electoral integrity.