The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed February 16, 2026, to hear a constitutional suit seeking the deregistration of five political parties over alleged failure to comply with mandatory constitutional and electoral requirements.
The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Alliance (AA), and Action Peoples Party (APP).
The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, challenges the continued registration of the parties, accusing them of persistent non-compliance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), particularly Section 225A, which empowers the appropriate authorities to withdraw recognition from political parties that fail to meet prescribed performance standards.
According to the NFFL, the legal action seeks both the deregistration of the affected parties and a clear judicial interpretation of the constitutional provisions governing political party operations, with a view to strengthening compliance and accountability within Nigeria’s multi-party system.
Speaking on the matter, Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, National Coordinator of the NFFL, said the continued existence of inactive or non-performing political parties poses a threat to democratic accountability and the credibility of the electoral process.
He noted that the proliferation of weak and non-compliant political parties erodes public confidence in the democratic system, creates voter confusion, and places unnecessary pressure on electoral management bodies.
“The existence of political parties that operate largely in name only undermines the integrity of our electoral process and weakens genuine democratic competition,” Igbokwe said.
He stressed that the suit is not driven by partisan interests but by a commitment to constitutional supremacy and the overall health of Nigeria’s democracy.
“This action is about restoring discipline and credibility to our political space. Political parties must go beyond registration to active participation and measurable performance in line with the law,” he added.
The NFFL further argued that a credible multi-party democracy requires political parties that are disciplined, functional, and accountable to the electorate.
The case is expected to attract significant attention, as its outcome could set an important legal precedent for the regulation, performance standards, and future participation of political parties in Nigeria’s electoral process.
