The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements governing the operation and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.
Delivering judgment in the suit, Justice Peter Lifu directed INEC to immediately commence the deregistration of the affected parties, citing their inability to secure the minimum electoral threshold stipulated by law during the last general elections.
The parties affected by the ruling are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (AP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Justice Lifu held that the parties failed to satisfy constitutional provisions requiring political parties to demonstrate a specified level of electoral performance and national spread.
The court further ordered INEC not to permit the affected parties to participate in future elections, including the 2027 general elections, unless the judgment is set aside on appeal.
Before delivering the substantive judgment, the court dismissed all preliminary objections filed by the defendants, clearing the way for the determination of the case on its merits.
The suit was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, which challenged the continued registration of the five political parties. The plaintiff joined INEC as the first defendant and the Attorney-General of the Federation as a party to the suit.
According to the plaintiff, the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance and spread.
The group argued that political parties are expected to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in prescribed elections to maintain their legal status and relevance under the law.
The plaintiff further maintained that none of the defendants effectively rebutted the arguments presented before the court, urging the judiciary to enforce the constitutional provisions governing political party registration and retention.
The judgment marks a significant development in Nigeria’s electoral and political landscape, with potential implications for party participation ahead of future elections.
However, the affected political parties retain the constitutional right to challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal.
