The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 24 to rule on a joinder application in a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister four political parties over alleged constitutional violations.
Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter after hearing arguments from parties in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25.
The case was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the affected political parties — African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Alliance.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to compel INEC to enforce constitutional thresholds for political parties and to restrain the commission from recognising or giving effect to the activities of the affected parties pending full compliance.
They argued that allowing the parties to participate in the 2027 general elections would overcrowd ballot papers, waste public resources and undermine electoral integrity.
Originally filed against ADC alone, the suit was later amended to include the three other parties.
Drama Over Legal Representation
At the resumed hearing, a mild drama unfolded when Action Alliance appeared to have two separate legal representatives — Ibrahim Yakubu and Bello Lukman — both claiming legitimacy.
Justice Lifu directed the lawyers to reconcile their positions, warning that the court would “do the needful” if they failed to resolve the issue.
Applications and Counter-Affidavits
Counsel to Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), moved an application seeking leave to file a further counter-affidavit, arguing that vital facts omitted in the earlier process needed to be placed before the court in the interest of justice.
However, counsel to the plaintiffs opposed the request, contending that no new facts were introduced in the amended originating summons to warrant a further counter-affidavit. He described the application as incompetent and unknown to law.
In a related development, the plaintiffs’ counsel informed the court of an application to amend the originating summons, dated January 28, which had been served on all parties.
Some respondents, including S.E. Aruwa (SAN), sought an extension of time to regularise their processes and also filed a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
Despite opposition from the plaintiffs, Justice Lifu granted the request for extension of time and deemed the necessary processes properly filed.
The court subsequently adjourned to March 24 for ruling on the joinder application and other pending motions.
Court Fixes March 24 to Decide Suit Seeking Deregistration of ADC, Accord, ZLP, AA
