A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Monday, ruling that the parties breached Section 225 of the Nigerian Constitution by not winning any elective positions in the previous elections at federal, state or local government levels.
The other affected parties are Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators against INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the parties concerned. The Attorney-General supported the plaintiffs’ request.
The ruling could have major implications for the 2027 general elections and off-cycle governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states. It potentially disqualifies candidates of the affected parties, including ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the Accord platform.
INEC is yet to issue an official reaction to the judgment.
