The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Tuesday, May 5, 2026, for the hearing of a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance over alleged constitutional breaches.
Justice Peter Lifu set the date on Monday, April 27, 2026, after granting an application by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators to amend their originating summons to include additional parties accused of non-compliance with electoral requirements.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, also lists INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants.
In a brief ruling, the court directed all parties yet to respond to the amended processes to do so without delay, describing the matter as time-sensitive and of public importance.
Justice Lifu noted the proximity of political party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections and stressed the need for an expedited hearing.
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He ordered all parties to file and exchange relevant processes on or before May 1, 2026.
The plaintiffs are seeking declarations that INEC is constitutionally bound to enforce compliance with requirements governing the registration, recognition and participation of political parties in elections.
They are also asking the court to compel the deregistration of the affected parties and restrain the electoral body from recognising or acting on any correspondence from them unless they meet all legal conditions.
In a supporting affidavit, the forum’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Igbokwe Nnanna, alleged that the parties failed to meet key constitutional thresholds, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in at least one state in presidential elections and maintaining verifiable structures across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The plaintiffs argued that allowing the parties to participate in the 2027 elections despite the alleged deficiencies would overcrowd ballot papers, strain administrative resources and mislead voters.
The case is expected to clarify the extent of INEC’s powers to enforce constitutional provisions governing the continued existence of political parties in Nigeria’s electoral system.