Court Delays Ruling on Political Party Deregistration

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until May 5 the suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties. The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) filed the action against the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA). They allege these parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements mandated by Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution. The court granted the plaintiffs leave to amend their summons to include additional parties, setting the stage for a broader legal confrontation.

The judge stressed that the matter requires urgent resolution, citing the approaching 2027 general elections. With party primaries looming, the court wants the case settled before the electoral calendar reaches its peak. He ordered all involved parties to file their responses to the amended summons by May 1. Justice Lifu clearly intends to keep the proceedings moving at a brisk pace.

The plaintiffs argue that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must enforce strict compliance with the law. They contend that allowing non-compliant parties to remain on the ballot wastes public resources and confuses voters. The NFFL seeks a permanent injunction to block these parties from participating in future electoral activities. Their goal is a streamlined, credible ballot.

The ADC has formally opposed the move, challenging the competence of the application. Despite this pushback, the court’s decision to allow the amendment suggests the case will now scrutinize a larger portion of the political field. INEC remains a central figure in this dispute, as the outcome will dictate how the commission manages party certification. The upcoming May hearing will likely define the survival of these smaller parties.

Keywords: Nigerian Politics, Federal High Court, INEC, Political Parties, Deregistration, 2027 Election, NFFL