The Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja has slated May 5 for the hearing of a case aimed at compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delist the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties over alleged failure to meet legal requirements.
Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date after granting the plaintiffs, the National Forum of Former Legislators, approval to amend their suit and include more parties accused of similar breaches.
Also listed in the case are the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance, along with INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In a short ruling, the judge directed defendants who are yet to respond to the amended filings to do so quickly, stressing that the matter is both urgent and of national interest, especially with preparations for the 2027 elections already underway.
All parties were ordered to file their processes on or before May 1, after which the court will proceed with the hearing on May 5.
The plaintiffs argue that INEC is constitutionally obligated to ensure that only compliant political parties remain registered and eligible to participate in elections.
They are seeking a court order mandating the deregistration of the affected parties and preventing their recognition until they meet all stipulated legal conditions.
In an affidavit submitted by the group’s chairman, Igbokwe Nnanna, it was claimed that the parties failed to meet key constitutional criteria, including securing at least 25 percent of votes in a state during presidential elections and maintaining a nationwide presence.
