A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in a suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), until May 5, 2026.
The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, also targets the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA), alleging violations of Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Peter Lifu granted the plaintiffs leave to amend their originating summons to formally include additional political parties accused of breaching constitutional provisions.
In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu directed all parties yet to respond to the amended processes to do so without delay, stressing the urgency and public importance of the case. He ordered that all necessary filings be completed by May 1.
The judge noted that with party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections approaching, the court must act swiftly to ensure clarity on the legal status of the affected parties.
The plaintiffs are urging the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to enforce constitutional provisions governing political parties. They are also seeking both mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining the electoral body from recognising or giving effect to the activities of the affected parties pending full compliance with the law.
According to the NFFL, permitting the parties to participate in the 2027 elections would overcrowd ballot papers, strain public resources, and potentially undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
However, the ADC has opposed the application, arguing that it is legally incompetent.
The matter is expected to come up for hearing on May 5.