2027 Polls: ADC, Accord, ZLP, Action Alliance Face De-Registration Suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed February 24 for the commencement of hearing in a suit seeking the de-registration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and three other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL).

In the action, the plaintiff is asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the affected parties from its register, alleging that they failed to meet constitutional electoral performance requirements.

The political parties listed in the suit are the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance.

Also joined as defendants in the case are the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The plaintiff anchored the suit on Section 225(A) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

According to the NFFL, the affected parties failed to meet minimum constitutional benchmarks required to retain registration. These include securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election, winning at least one local government area in a governorship election, or obtaining at least one seat in elections ranging from councillorship to the National Assembly.

The group argued that the parties had not won any elective office since their registration and therefore no longer qualified to remain recognised political parties under Nigerian law.

In its reliefs, the plaintiff is seeking declarations that INEC is constitutionally obligated to enforce the prescribed electoral thresholds and that continued recognition of the parties allegedly violates existing constitutional provisions.

The suit also seeks orders compelling INEC to formally de-register the parties and restrain the commission from recognising their congresses, primaries, campaigns, or participation in the 2027 elections unless they fully comply with constitutional requirements.

In a supporting affidavit sworn to by Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, the plaintiff accused INEC of failing in its constitutional duty by maintaining the registration of parties that allegedly secured no representation across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The NFFL further contended that allowing the parties to participate in the 2027 elections could overcrowd the ballot, place additional strain on administrative resources, and potentially mislead voters.

The group maintained that the suit was filed in the public interest, aimed at strengthening constitutional compliance and enhancing the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The matter is expected to come up for a hearing on February 24.