Federal High Court Says Five Political Parties Failed Constitutional Thresholds, Bars Participation in 2027 Elections
By A1ngela Udende / June 15, 2026
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a far-reaching judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional performance requirements, in a ruling that could reshape Nigeria’s electoral architecture ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Justice Peter Lifu, delivering judgment on Monday, directed INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), while also restraining them from presenting candidates or participating in future electoral processes.
The decision is based on findings that the affected parties failed to satisfy minimum constitutional thresholds required for continued recognition as political parties under Nigerian law.
The ruling immediately raises legal, political, and institutional questions about party registration standards, electoral competition, and INEC’s enforcement obligations under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Court Finds Breach of Constitutional Electoral Thresholds
Justice Lifu held that the five political parties did not meet the requirements stipulated under Section 225A of the Constitution, which sets performance-based conditions for political party retention.
The court agreed with the plaintiffs that sustained failure to win meaningful electoral support disqualifies parties from remaining on the register maintained by INEC.
The judge further held that INEC is constitutionally obligated to enforce compliance where parties fall short of these thresholds.
Legal Action by Former Legislators
The suit, filed under FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was initiated by a group of former federal lawmakers who challenged the continued recognition of the affected parties by INEC.
The plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether the electoral commission has a legal duty to deregister political parties that fail to meet performance standards clearly defined in constitutional and electoral frameworks.
They relied on provisions of:
- Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
- The Electoral Act 2022
- INEC regulations governing political party registration
According to the plaintiffs, the affected parties have consistently failed to demonstrate electoral relevance in successive elections, including the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections.
Allegations of Electoral Underperformance
The former legislators argued that the five parties failed to meet key performance indicators required for political survival, including:
- Winning at least 25 percent of votes in at least one state during a presidential election
- Securing at least one elective seat at federal, state, or local government levels
They told the court that the ADC, APP, AA, Accord Party, and ZLP recorded poor performances across multiple electoral cycles and failed to secure representation in key democratic institutions.
The plaintiffs maintained that allowing such parties to remain registered undermines electoral credibility and weakens accountability within Nigeria’s political system.
Court Orders Exclusion From 2027 Elections
In addition to deregistration, Justice Lifu ordered INEC to prevent the affected parties from participating in the 2027 general elections.
This includes a prohibition on fielding candidates, presenting party flags, or engaging in electoral contests under their existing registration status.
The ruling effectively places the parties outside Nigeria’s formal electoral framework unless overturned on appeal or complied with through re-registration procedures.
Implications for INEC and Electoral Governance
The judgment places renewed pressure on INEC to enforce constitutional provisions relating to political party regulation.
While the electoral body has previously faced criticism for maintaining a large number of inactive or minimally active political parties, the ruling now compels it to take definitive administrative action.
Electoral analysts argue that strict enforcement could reduce ballot complexity and improve party accountability, but warn it may also raise concerns about democratic inclusiveness and political plurality.
INEC has yet to issue a formal response to the court’s decision.
Debate Over Nigeria’s Multiparty System Reignited
The ruling has reignited a broader national debate over the structure and sustainability of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Supporters of deregistration argue that political parties must demonstrate measurable public support to justify their existence, citing cost, administrative efficiency, and electoral clarity.
Critics, however, caution that stringent enforcement risks marginalising smaller political movements and consolidating power among dominant parties.
Legal observers expect the case to trigger appellate review, particularly on the interpretation of Section 225A and the extent of INEC’s enforcement authority.
Potential Political Fallout Ahead of 2027
With preparations for the 2027 elections gradually intensifying, the ruling could significantly alter political alignments, coalition strategies, and party structures.
Some political actors may be forced to realign with larger parties or seek legal remedies to restore their registration status.
The judgment also introduces uncertainty into ongoing political negotiations involving opposition formations and emerging alliances.
The Federal High Court’s order mandating the deregistration of ADC, APP, AA, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party represents one of the most consequential judicial interventions in Nigeria’s electoral system in recent years. While the court grounded its decision on constitutional compliance and electoral performance thresholds, the ruling is expected to spark intense legal and political contestation as stakeholders weigh its implications for party pluralism and democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
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