BREAKING: Shock Court Verdict Threatens Atiku’s 2027 Ambition as ADC, Four Other Parties Face Deregistration

ABUJA — A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties in a ruling that could send shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements necessary to retain their registration.
The plaintiffs maintained that under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), political parties must achieve specific electoral benchmarks, including securing at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning elective positions at the national, state, or local government levels.
According to the suit, the five parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure seats across major tiers of government.
The court agreed with the argument and directed INEC to remove the parties from its register.
The former lawmakers also contended that allowing the parties to remain active despite failing constitutional requirements undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Beyond seeking deregistration, the plaintiffs asked the court to bar the affected parties from participating in elections, conducting campaigns, holding rallies, or organizing primaries. They also sought an order preventing INEC from recognizing the parties in any official capacity unless they fully comply with constitutional provisions.
The ruling could have major political implications, particularly for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other politicians who may be considering platforms outside the major parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election.