A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 5, 2026, to hear a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress and other political parties over alleged constitutional violations.
The case, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, also targets the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance.
Other defendants include INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Peter Lifu granted the plaintiff leave to amend its originating summons to include additional parties.
The judge ordered all parties to file their responses before May 1, stressing that the case is time-sensitive, especially with political party primaries for the 2027 general elections approaching.
The plaintiffs allege that the affected parties have failed to meet constitutional requirements necessary for continued registration.
According to the suit, the parties have not won any elective positions at any level of government and failed to secure the required 25% of votes in at least one state during presidential elections.
They also argued that the parties lack nationwide political presence across wards, local governments, and states.
The group accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional duty by continuing to recognise the parties despite these alleged shortcomings.
They warned that allowing such parties to participate in the 2027 elections could overcrowd ballot papers, strain electoral resources, and mislead voters.
Among the reliefs sought are court orders compelling INEC to deregister the affected parties and restraining it from recognising or engaging with them until they comply with constitutional and statutory provisions.
The matter has been adjourned to May 5 for definite hearing.
