Political Shockwave: 2027 Calculations Rocked as Court Directs INEC to Scrap ADC, Four Others
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties for failing to meet the constitutional requirements for continued registration.
The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Justice Peter Lifu issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026.
In the suit, the plaintiff asked the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to deregister political parties that fail to satisfy the electoral performance benchmarks stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations.
The forum argued that the five political parties had consistently failed to attain the constitutional thresholds required to retain their registration. According to the plaintiffs, such requirements include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning at least one elective office at the national, state, or local government level.
The former lawmakers maintained that the parties recorded poor performances in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections conducted by INEC, failing to secure elective positions across critical tiers of government.
They contended that the continued recognition of the parties by INEC was contrary to constitutional provisions and detrimental to the integrity and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The plaintiffs therefore sought several reliefs, including a declaration that INEC is constitutionally bound to deregister political parties that fail to meet the prescribed electoral benchmarks.
They also requested an order compelling the electoral commission to complete the deregistration process before preparations for the 2027 general elections reach an advanced stage.
In addition, the forum sought injunctions restraining the affected parties from participating in elections or engaging in political activities such as campaigns, rallies, conventions, and primary elections. It further urged the court to bar INEC from recognising or dealing with the parties in any official capacity unless they fully comply with constitutional requirements.
In his judgment, Justice Lifu upheld the arguments of the plaintiff and directed INEC to proceed with the deregistration of the five political parties.
The ruling is expected to have significant political implications ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly for aspirants seeking elective offices on the platforms of the affected parties. Among those potentially impacted is former Vice President and perennial presidential contender, Atiku Abubakar, whose future political calculations may be influenced by the outcome of the judgment.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
