The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance and Zenith Labour Party for failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration. Justice Peter Lifu issued the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which challenged INEC’s continued recognition of the affected parties.

The plaintiffs argued that the parties failed to satisfy the performance thresholds prescribed under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, including securing a minimum percentage of votes in presidential elections or winning elective seats at the national, state or local government levels. According to the suit, the parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, making their continued existence as registered political parties unconstitutional.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly for politicians associated with some of the affected parties. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has recently been linked with the ADC as part of ongoing coalition talks, while other political actors may also be affected by the judgment. Unless overturned by a higher court, the decision effectively removes the parties from Nigeria’s electoral landscape and bars them from participating in future electoral activities recognised by INEC.