Reports indicate that a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements, though official confirmation from the electoral body is still awaited.
According to the reports, the ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Peter Odo Lifu, who is said to have directed INEC to remove the affected parties from its register based on provisions of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The parties reportedly affected by the decision include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (AP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The court is said to have held that the parties did not meet key constitutional performance benchmarks, including securing a minimum percentage of votes in presidential elections or winning seats in national or state legislative elections.
The reports further claim that the judgment includes an order restraining INEC from recognising or engaging with the affected parties until they comply with constitutional requirements. However, the full details of the ruling and its immediate legal implications have not yet been independently verified.
The case was reportedly filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, seeking to compel INEC to enforce constitutional provisions relating to political party deregistration.
There are also claims that the Attorney General of the Federation supported the position that underperforming parties should be removed from the electoral system in line with the law.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not issued an official statement confirming the deregistration or outlining steps for implementation of the reported court order.
Legal analysts note that such a ruling, if confirmed, could significantly impact Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly for smaller parties and emerging political platforms.
Observers also point out that affected parties are likely to challenge the decision through the appellate courts, which could delay any immediate enforcement.
The situation remains subject to official confirmation and possible legal appeals, with further clarity expected in the coming days.
