A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 5 for hearing a case seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and some other political parties over alleged violations of the law.
Justice Peter Lifu set the date after granting the group behind the case, the National Forum of Former Legislators, leave to amend its suit and include additional parties accused of breaching legal requirements.
The case also targets the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance, alongside INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In a brief ruling, the judge directed parties that have not responded to the amended suit to do so promptly, stressing that the matter is urgent and of public interest. He noted that with party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, the case must be resolved without delay.
The court ordered all parties to file their processes before May 1 and adjourned the case to May 5 for hearing.
The plaintiffs argue that INEC is legally required to enforce constitutional conditions for political parties to remain registered and participate in elections.
They are asking the court to compel INEC to deregister the affected parties and stop recognising them until they meet all legal requirements.
According to an affidavit filed by the group’s chairman, Igbokwe Nnanna, the parties failed to meet key constitutional thresholds, including securing “25 per cent of votes in at least one state” during presidential elections and maintaining representation across the country.
They also warned that if the court does not intervene, INEC may allow the parties to take part in the 2027 elections, which could clutter ballot papers, overstretch administrative resources and mislead voters.