Court to hear suit on deregistration of ADC, others on May 5

Politics Court to hear suit on deregistration of ADC, others on May 5 Published on April 27, 2026 By Nana Ismail googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 5 for hearing a case seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and some other political parties over alleged violations of the law. Justice Peter Lifu set the date after granting the group behind the case, the National Forum of Former Legislators, leave to amend its suit and include additional parties accused of breaching legal requirements. The case also targets the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance, alongside INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); In a brief ruling, the judge directed parties that have not responded to the amended suit to do so promptly, stressing that the matter is urgent and of public interest. He noted that with party primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, the case must be resolved without delay. The court ordered all parties to file their processes before May 1 and adjourned the case to May 5 for hearing. The plaintiffs argue that INEC is legally required to enforce constitutional conditions for political parties to remain registered and participate in elections. They are asking the court to compel INEC to deregister the affected parties and stop recognising them until they meet all legal requirements. According to an affidavit filed by the group’s chairman, Igbokwe Nnanna, the parties failed to meet key constitutional thresholds, including securing “25 per cent of votes in at least one state” during presidential elections and maintaining representation across the country. They also warned that if the court does not intervene, INEC may allow the parties to take part in the 2027 elections, which could clutter ballot papers, overstretch administrative resources and mislead voters. Don't Miss 2027: APC releases fresh timetable for sale of forms, primaries You may like 2027: Edo Govt disowns Okpebholo’s aide over alleged threats to ADC Court orders expedited trial in alleged coup plot against Tinubu’s government ADC pushes power-sharing model to avert opposition rift ahead of 2027 Poor Electricity: ‘Stop the blames, you failed in your promise’ – ADC chieftain to Tinubu Court bars journalists from covering suspected coup plotters’ trial SERAP, NGE challenge NBC in court over broadcasting code sanctions

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/27/court-to-hear-suit-on-deregistration-of-adc-others-on-may-5/