₦airaland Forum

The National Forum of Former Legislators has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 and filed on April 23, INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) are listed as first and second defendants. The ADC is named as the third defendant, while the Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) are listed as fourth to seventh defendants.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to direct INEC to deregister the parties, arguing that they have failed to meet the threshold stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

They stated that INEC has “no residual discretion to retain the registration of political parties that have clearly failed to satisfy the minimum threshold prescribed under Section 225A of the Constitution,” warning that continued recognition of such parties undermines electoral integrity and constitutional order.

The forum further argued that “the continued existence of non-performing political parties will inflate the ballots, burden public funds, complicate election administration and undermine the constitutional intention behind Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)”.

Describing the case as a public interest litigation, the plaintiffs said the action is aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions guiding political party registration and operations.

According to the suit, “any failure or refusal of the 1st Defendant to deregister the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Defendants constitutes a continuing breach of constitutional duty, capable of being challenged by way of public interest litigation”.

The plaintiffs also maintained that “the right to associate as a political party under the Constitution is not absolute,” stressing that compliance with constitutional requirements is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral system.

On the role of the Attorney-General, the forum argued that the AGF, having “dual role as both an advocate for the state and defender of citizen rights must act in public interest in supporting the Plaintiff’s case for the promotion of justice and ensure that laws are interpreted and applied correctly”.

They added that the AGF “is enjoined to collaborate with other government agencies and citizens to ensure that laws are effectively enforced,” noting that backing the suit aligns with the constitutional responsibilities of the office.

The plaintiffs further stated that “by backing the Plaintiff herein, the 2nd Defendant contributes to the establishment of legal precedent that reinforces the supremacy of the Constitution, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and respect for the law”.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

FuckFuckPastor:
https://www.arise.tv/ex-lawmakers-seek-court-order-to-compel-inec-to-deregister-adc-zlp-accord-party/

FuckFuckPastor:
https://www.arise.tv/ex-lawmakers-seek-court-order-to-compel-inec-to-deregister-adc-zlp-accord-party/

Nairalander248:
As if APC was known years ago... If not for coalition who for sabi CPC and AC that came together to form APC

FuckFuckPastor:
https://www.arise.tv/ex-lawmakers-seek-court-order-to-compel-inec-to-deregister-adc-zlp-accord-party/