By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned hearing in a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and three other political parties over alleged constitutional breaches.
The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which is also seeking the deregistration of the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance, citing alleged violations of Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Lifu granted the plaintiffs leave to amend their originating summons to include additional political parties allegedly in breach of constitutional provisions. The matter was subsequently adjourned to May 5 for hearing.
The judge directed all parties yet to respond to the amended summons to do so promptly, noting that the case is time-sensitive and of significant public interest, especially with party primaries approaching ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He ordered all parties to file necessary processes on or before May 1.
In the substantive suit, the former lawmakers are urging the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce constitutional provisions governing political parties. They are also seeking injunctions restraining INEC from recognising the affected parties until full compliance with the law.
However, the ADC has opposed the application, describing it as incompetent and lacking merit.
The plaintiffs argue that allowing the parties to participate in the 2027 elections could overburden the electoral process, increase costs, and undermine electoral integrity.
