A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for allegedly failing to satisfy constitutional requirements for continued existence.

Justice Peter Lifu issued the ruling in a suit brought by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties did not meet the performance benchmarks outlined in the Constitution, Electoral Act, and INEC regulations.

The court ordered INEC to remove the ADC, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) from its official register of political parties.

According to the plaintiffs, the parties failed to achieve the minimum electoral performance required by law, such as winning elective positions or securing the stipulated percentage of votes in elections. They contended that retaining such parties on the register undermines the integrity of the electoral system.

In delivering judgment, Justice Lifu agreed that the parties had not met the constitutional thresholds and directed INEC to proceed with their deregistration.

The court further restrained the affected parties from participating in elections or carrying out political activities, including campaigns, rallies, and party primaries. INEC was also ordered to suspend official dealings with the parties in line with the judgment.

The decision could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, although the affected parties retain the right to challenge the ruling through the appellate courts.