The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed February 24 to commence hearing in a high-profile deregistration suit seeking the removal of four registered political parties from Nigeria’s electoral roll ahead of the 2027 elections.
The legal action has sparked renewed debate over constitutional compliance and the future of smaller political platforms in the country.
The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL).
In the deregistration suit, the group is asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance from the official list of recognized political parties.
INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation have been joined as defendants in the matter.
The plaintiffs argue that the continued recognition of the affected political parties violates constitutional provisions and electoral laws that set performance thresholds for party survival.
At the heart of the deregistration suit is Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022.
These provisions empower INEC to deregister political parties that fail to meet specific electoral performance benchmarks.
According to the plaintiffs, the parties in question have not satisfied these requirements since their registration.
The constitutional benchmarks cited include securing at least 25 percent of valid votes in at least one state during a presidential election, winning at least one local government area in a governorship election, or obtaining at least one elective seat at any level — from councillorship to the National Assembly.
The NFFL contends that none of the parties targeted in the deregistration suit has achieved any of these thresholds.
In a supporting affidavit sworn by Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, the plaintiff accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional responsibility by maintaining the registration of parties that allegedly lack electoral representation across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The affidavit argues that the failure to enforce constitutional standards weakens the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
It further claims that allowing such parties to continue operating without measurable electoral success undermines accountability and compliance with established laws.
Beyond constitutional arguments, the plaintiffs also raised concerns about the practical implications of maintaining a lengthy list of inactive or underperforming political parties.
They warned that permitting the affected parties to participate in the 2027 elections could overcrowd the ballot paper, complicate logistics, and strain administrative resources.
According to the NFFL, an excessively crowded ballot may also confuse voters, particularly in rural communities where voter education levels vary.
The group insists that the deregistration suit was filed in the broader public interest to streamline Nigeria’s electoral process and reinforce democratic standards.
Legal observers say the case could test the limits of INEC’s regulatory authority. While the Constitution empowers the electoral body to deregister political parties under certain conditions, past attempts at deregistration have often faced legal challenges.
The outcome of this case may therefore shape the framework for party regulation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The political parties listed in the suit have yet to publicly respond to the allegations. However, analysts suggest they may argue that electoral participation itself, rather than electoral victory, should justify continued registration.
They could also challenge the interpretation of constitutional provisions relied upon in the deregistration suit.
The matter has been assigned to Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, who is expected to begin hearing arguments on February 24.
Legal teams representing both sides are anticipated to present detailed submissions on constitutional interpretation, statutory obligations, and electoral precedent.
The case comes at a time when political realignments are gradually beginning ahead of the 2027 elections.
With major parties already strategizing and smaller platforms exploring coalitions, the lawsuit adds another dimension to the evolving political landscape.
If the court rules in favour of the plaintiffs, INEC may be compelled to take immediate steps toward deregistering the affected parties.
Such a decision could significantly reduce the number of political parties eligible to field candidates in the next general election.
On the other hand, a dismissal of the deregistration suit could reinforce the rights of smaller political parties to remain on the ballot, even without significant electoral victories.
Either way, the judgment is likely to have lasting implications for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
As February 24 approaches, attention will focus on the Federal High Court in Abuja, where arguments in the deregistration suit are set to begin — a case that may redefine the boundaries of political participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Ireport247news
