Court has ordered INEC to deregister ADC and Accord Party among others ahead of 2027 elections.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and several other political parties over alleged constitutional breaches.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu issued the directive on Monday while delivering judgment in a suit filed by a group of former lawmakers under the umbrella of the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators.
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The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was instituted against INEC and a number of political parties, including the ADC, Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
According to the court, the affected parties were found to have allegedly violated constitutional provisions and electoral requirements, prompting the order for their deregistration.
The judgment could have far-reaching political implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One of the immediate consequences of the ruling is its potential impact on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the presidential candidate of the ADC. If the judgment stands, the party may no longer be eligible to sponsor candidates in future elections, leaving Atiku without a platform for his presidential ambition.
The ruling may also affect Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is reportedly preparing to seek re-election in the August 15 governorship election under the Accord Party platform.
With the court directing INEC to deregister the Accord Party, Adeleke’s participation in the upcoming election could face legal and political uncertainty pending any appeal or further judicial pronouncement.
The Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators had approached the court seeking the deregistration of the affected political parties, arguing that they failed to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements governing political party operations in Nigeria.
Justice Lifu, in his judgment, granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs and directed INEC to take immediate steps to implement the court’s decision.
The ruling is expected to trigger legal challenges and appeals from the affected parties, as stakeholders assess its implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the affected political parties had issued official reactions to the judgment.
The development adds a new dimension to preparations for the 2027 general elections, with political observers closely watching the next steps that will be taken by both the electoral commission and the parties involved.
