A legal battle over the fate of some political parties intensifies as a Federal High Court in Abuja fixes May 5 to hear a suit seeking their deregistration ahead of the 2027 elections. Presiding judge, Peter Lifu, approved an amendment to the suit, allowing the inclusion of more parties alleged to have violated electoral provisions. […]
A legal battle over the fate of some political parties intensifies as a Federal High Court in Abuja fixes May 5 to hear a suit seeking their deregistration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Presiding judge, Peter Lifu, approved an amendment to the suit, allowing the inclusion of more parties alleged to have violated electoral provisions.
Among those affected are the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance, while the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation are defending the case.
The judge emphasised the urgency of the matter, ordering all parties to respond without delay, given its importance to Nigeria’s democratic process.
He pointed out that the timeline is critical, especially as political parties prepare for primaries ahead of the next general elections.
Justice Lifu subsequently directed all legal filings to be completed before May 1, paving the way for a full hearing on May 5.
The plaintiffs maintain that the electoral body must strictly enforce constitutional conditions before allowing any party to operate or contest elections.
They argue that several parties failed to meet the required spread and electoral performance benchmarks, yet continue to function within the system.
According to the group, failure to address these issues could undermine voter confidence and complicate election management.
The case also comes at a time when the ADC faces internal leadership tussles, further placing the party under legal and political scrutiny.