BREAKING: Abuja Court Set to Hear The Matter To Deregister ADC, Four Other Parties Over Alleged Infractions

Other parties listed in the suit alongside the ADC are the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, Action Alliance (AA), and the Action Peoples Party (APP).

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja is set to consider the deregistration of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties over alleged constitutional and electoral infractions, following a suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL).

The suit, instituted by the (NFFL), is challenging the continued legal existence of the affected parties on the grounds of alleged constitutional and electoral infractions. Other parties listed in the suit alongside the ADC are the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, Action Alliance (AA), and the Action Peoples Party (APP).

Filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, the action is asking the court to compel the enforcement of constitutional provisions governing the registration, regulation, and continued operation of political parties in Nigeria. At the heart of the case is the interpretation and application of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which provides the legal framework for the withdrawal of recognition from political parties that fail to meet specified performance and compliance thresholds.

A Constitutional Test for Nigeria’s Party System
Section 225A of the Constitution empowers relevant authorities to deregister political parties that do not satisfy mandatory requirements, including participation in elections, securing a minimum level of electoral performance, and fulfilling statutory obligations such as maintaining functional party structures and submitting audited financial returns.

The NFFL, in its originating processes before the court, argues that the continued operation of political parties that repeatedly fail to meet these benchmarks undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic system. According to the group, allowing such parties to remain on the political register weakens accountability, dilutes voter choice, and places unnecessary strain on electoral administration.

The forum is therefore seeking what it described as a “clear and authoritative judicial interpretation” of Section 225A, with the aim of strengthening constitutional compliance and restoring discipline within Nigeria’s increasingly crowded multi-party system.

*Awaiting February 16 – Court Date*

As the February 16 hearing date approaches, attention will be focused on how the Federal High Court interprets Section 225A and balances constitutional enforcement with the principles of political freedom and pluralism.

For the NFFL, the suit represents part of its broader commitment to protecting democratic institutions and strengthening constitutional governance in Nigeria. The forum reiterated that it remains steadfast in its resolve to promote a functional and credible multi-party democracy.

“We remain unwavering in our resolve to uphold the Constitution and promote a credible, accountable and functional multi-party democracy for Nigeria,” the forum said.

Whether the court will ultimately order the deregistration of the ADC and the four other parties remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the outcome of the case could redefine the rules of political participation and reshape Nigeria’s party system in the years ahead.