The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to February 24, 2026, a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance, among others, over alleged breaches of constitutional and electoral requirements.
Filed under FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, the suit names the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation, and five political parties as respondents. Counsel for the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), stated the case is focused on judicial interpretation of Section 225(A) of the Constitution and related provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
The action questions whether INEC is obliged to enforce minimum performance thresholds for political parties, including winning at least one legislative seat, a local government area in governorship elections, or 25% of votes in a presidential election in at least one state. The plaintiffs allege that the parties have failed to meet these benchmarks and yet continue to operate fully recognized, potentially affecting the 2027 general elections.
The NFFL is seeking declaratory orders, deregistration of the parties, and injunctions restraining INEC from acknowledging their political activities unless constitutional requirements are fulfilled. The forum described the suit as a public interest action, aimed at deepening democracy and upholding electoral integrity.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter to February 24, 2026, for further proceedings.
