April 27, (THEWILL) — A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 5, 2026, for hearing in a suit seeking the deregistration of four political parties over alleged violations of constitutional provisions governing their operations and finances.
Justice Peter Lifu, adjourned the matter after granting leave to the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) to amend its originating summons to include additional political parties accused of breaching Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution.
The suit, which initially targeted the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has now been expanded to include the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA), following arguments by the plaintiffs that all affected parties must be properly joined for effective adjudication.
Ruling on the application, Justice Lifu directed all defendants yet to respond to the amended processes to do so without delay, stressing that the matter is both time-sensitive and of significant public importance. He ordered parties to file all necessary processes on or before May 1.
The court noted that with party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections approaching, a timely determination of the suit is critical to avoid legal uncertainty that could disrupt the electoral timetable.
In the substantive suit, the plaintiffs are asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce constitutional requirements for political parties, particularly provisions relating to financial accountability and lawful operations under Section 225.
They are also seeking mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining INEC from recognising or giving effect to the political activities of the affected parties pending their full compliance with constitutional provisions.
The plaintiffs argue that failure to enforce these requirements could undermine electoral integrity, strain public resources, and complicate ballot design in future elections due to the proliferation of non-compliant parties.
However, the ADC has opposed the application, describing it as incompetent and urging the court to dismiss it.
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