By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed February 24, 2026, to hear a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress and other political parties over alleged constitutional breaches ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, targets the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and five political parties.
The parties listed in the suit include the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance.
Court Adjourns Matter to February 24
Justice Peter Lifu initially scheduled the matter for mention on Monday. However, the court did not hear the case. Consequently, the judge adjourned proceedings to February 24, 2026.
After the brief session, counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), addressed journalists. He explained that the suit seeks constitutional interpretation.
According to him, some political parties have allegedly breached constitutional provisions. Therefore, the plaintiffs want the court to clarify the relevant laws.
Legal Basis of the Suit
Court documents show that the plaintiffs commenced the action by originating summons. They relied on Section 225(A) of the 1999 Constitution, Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, and the Federal High Court Rules 2019.
At the centre of the dispute lies INEC’s constitutional responsibility. Specifically, the plaintiffs want the court to decide whether INEC must deregister parties that failed to meet electoral performance thresholds.
Electoral Performance Thresholds in Question
The law prescribes clear benchmarks for political parties.
For instance, a party must secure at least 25 percent of votes in one state during a presidential election. Alternatively, it must win a local government area in a governorship election.
In addition, a party can retain registration by winning at least one elective seat, ranging from councillorship to the National Assembly.
However, the plaintiffs allege that the affected parties failed to win any ward, legislative seat, or elective office in previous elections.
Reliefs Sought Against INEC
The plaintiffs seek several declaratory and injunctive orders.
First, they want the court to affirm that INEC must enforce constitutional benchmarks before recognising political parties.
Furthermore, they ask the court to compel INEC to deregister the affected parties.
They also seek mandatory and perpetual injunctions. These orders would restrain INEC from recognising congresses, primaries, campaigns, or participation in the 2027 elections unless the parties comply fully with constitutional requirements.
Allegations of Constitutional Breach
In a supporting affidavit, Hon. Igbokwe Nnanna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and National Coordinator of the forum, accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional duties.
He claimed that the affected parties have not won any elective position since their registration.
According to him, they failed to secure the required 25 percent of votes in at least one state during presidential elections.
Moreover, he stated that they lack representation across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Despite these alleged failures, INEC continues to recognise the parties. The plaintiffs argue that such recognition violates the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC guidelines.
Public Interest and 2027 Elections
The forum described the case as a public interest suit.
It warned that INEC may allow the affected parties to participate in the 2027 general elections unless the court intervenes.
According to the group, such participation could overcrowd ballot papers, stretch administrative resources, and confuse voters.
Therefore, the plaintiffs urged the court to compel INEC to enforce constitutional compliance. They believe this step will strengthen democracy and uphold the rule of law.
Justice Lifu will hear the matter on February 24, 2026.
