Federal High Court fixes March 24 to rule on suit seeking deregistration of ADC, Accord and others

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 24 to rule on a joinder application in a suit seeking to compel the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA).

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

Initially, only ADC was targeted for deregistration, but the originating summons was later amended to include the other parties over alleged non-compliance with constitutional requirements.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, drama unfolded as two separate lawyers appeared for Action Alliance, each claiming legitimate representation.

Justice Peter Lifu directed them to resolve the issue, warning that the court would take necessary steps if they failed to do so.

Counsel to Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, moved an application seeking leave to file a further counter affidavit, arguing it would assist the court in reaching a just decision.

The plaintiff’s counsel, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba, SAN, opposed the move, insisting no new facts warranted such filing.

Justice Lifu granted an application for extension of time to regularise processes and adjourned to March 24 for ruling on the joinder application and other pending motions.

The plaintiffs are seeking judicial interpretation of constitutional provisions, arguing that INEC is bound under Section 225(A) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, to deregister parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds.

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They contend that continued recognition of such parties could undermine electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.