Five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action People’s Party (APP), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance Party (AAP), are facing possible deregistration as the Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to deliver judgment on a suit challenging their continued existence ahead of the 2027 general elections. The case, instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), seeks an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the parties from the list of recognized political parties in Nigeria.
According to the plaintiffs, the affected parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements for continued registration, citing poor electoral performance since their formation. They argued that the parties neither secured the minimum 25 percent votes required in any state during presidential elections nor won governorship, National Assembly, local government, or councillorship seats. The suit also claims that allowing the parties to continue operating would overcrowd ballot papers, waste public resources, and create unnecessary confusion among voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
While the Attorney-General of the Federation reportedly supports the deregistration move, INEC has opposed the suit, insisting that the plaintiffs lack the legal standing to initiate the action. Lawyers representing ADC and Accord Party also described the case as baseless and without merit, urging the court to dismiss it entirely. The ruling by Justice Peter Odo Lifu is expected to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections and determine the future of the affected parties.
