Abuja court fixes March 24 for ruling in suit to deregister ADC Accord, others

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 24 for a ruling on a joinder application in a suit seeking the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA), over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements.

The suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF), and the affected political parties.

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The originating summons initially targeted only the ADC but was later amended to include the four additional parties, which the plaintiffs argue have also failed to meet constitutional and statutory thresholds for registration.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, counsel appeared for all parties except AA, which was represented by two lawyers from separate law firms Ibrahim Yakubu and Bello Lukman each claiming valid instructions to act for the party.

In an apparent dispute over representation, Justice Peter Lifu queried whether the two counsel were acting jointly. Both confirmed separate mandates. The judge directed them to reconcile their positions, warning that the court would “do the needful” if they failed to align.

In the same session, Musibau Adetunbi SAN, counsel for Accord Party, moved an application seeking leave to file a further counter‑affidavit to address facts allegedly omitted from the earlier affidavit. Adetunbi argued that the additional affidavit was necessary to assist the court in its determination.

The plaintiff opposed the application, with counsel Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba SAN arguing that the further counter‑affidavit was unnecessary, since no new facts had been introduced in the amended originating summons. Ruba described the motion as incompetent and unknown to law.

After hearing submissions, Justice Lifu adjourned to March 24 for ruling on the joinder application and other pending motions.

Ruba also informed the court of an application dated January 28, which seeks further amendment of the originating summons. Respondents confirmed they had received and filed counter‑affidavits in response.

Some defence counsel, including S.E. Aruwa SAN, applied for an extension of time to regularise court processes and filed motions challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The plaintiff opposed the extension, but the judge granted it and deemed the plaintiff’s reply on points of law properly filed.

Speaking to journalists after the hearing, Ruba explained that the suit seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions governing political party registration and continued recognition in Nigeria.

According to court papers, the action was commenced pursuant to Section 225(A) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and relevant provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

The plaintiffs contend that INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds, such as securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election or winning elective office at any level of government.

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In an affidavit deposed to by Igbokwe Raphael Nnanna, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and National Coordinator of the NFFL, the group accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional duty by maintaining recognition of parties that have allegedly failed to win elective office or meet prescribed benchmarks since their registration.

The plaintiffs are seeking declaratory orders compelling INEC to enforce constitutional thresholds and mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining the commission from recognising or giving effect to the political activities of the affected parties, pending full compliance.

They argued that allowing these parties to participate in the 2027 general elections would clutter ballot papers, waste public resources, and undermine electoral integrity.