A fresh political storm is brewing in Nigeria’s democracy as a group of former federal lawmakers has asked a court to order the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over alleged failure to meet constitutional performance requirements.
The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, is targeting parties they claim have consistently fallen short of the electoral benchmarks required to remain officially recognised in the country’s political system.
Parties Accused Of Failing Constitutional Thresholds
According to the plaintiffs, the affected parties have repeatedly failed to meet the performance standards set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations.
Other political parties listed in the case include the Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
The former legislators are asking the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to meet these thresholds.
What The Lawmakers Are Arguing
The plaintiffs insist that the parties in question have not demonstrated sufficient electoral relevance, arguing that their continued existence undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
They maintained that for a party to remain valid under the law, it must either secure at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win at least one elective seat at national, state, or local government level.
According to them, the ADC and the other defendants failed to meet these conditions in both the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections conducted by INEC.
“Their Continued Existence Is Unlawful” — Plaintiffs Tell Court
The group further told the court that allowing the parties to remain registered despite their electoral performance amounts to a breach of constitutional provisions.
They argued that INEC is not only empowered but also duty-bound to deregister political parties that fail to meet the required benchmarks.
Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiffs want the court to compel INEC to deregister the affected parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
They also want the court to stop the parties from participating in elections, including campaigns, primaries, and political rallies, until they comply with constitutional requirements.
Also Read: How Politics Is Killing the Joy of Football: From World Cups to Global Power Games
In addition, they are asking the court to restrain INEC from recognising or engaging with the parties in any official capacity.
Big Names, Bigger Stakes Ahead Of 2027
The case has already sent ripples through the political space, especially as high-profile figures are linked to some of the affected parties.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is currently the presidential candidate of the ADC for the 2027 elections, while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is also seeking re-election under the Accord Party.
If the court rules in favour of the plaintiffs, it could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially disrupting campaigns and forcing major realignments among political actors already positioning for power.