ABUJA, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Federal High Court seeking a stay of execution on its recent judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties, in a move aimed at maintaining the status quo pending the outcome of an appeal.
The affected parties include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
INEC’s application follows a ruling delivered on June 15, 2026, by Justice Peter Odo Lifu, which directed the electoral body to deregister the parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, who argued that the parties did not meet stipulated electoral performance benchmarks, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one-third of states or achieving sufficient representation in legislative elections.
Justice Lifu upheld the plaintiffs’ arguments and dismissed preliminary objections, including concerns over a subsisting Court of Appeal order issued on May 22, 2026, which had directed a stay of proceedings pending an interlocutory appeal. The court subsequently barred the affected parties from participating in future elections, including the 2027 general elections.
In its latest move, INEC is asking the court to suspend enforcement of the judgment while it challenges the decision at the appellate level, a step seen as critical to avoiding disruptions in the political process.
The development has triggered a wave of reactions from political stakeholders, with the affected parties rejecting the ruling and vowing to pursue legal remedies.
The ADC, in particular, described the judgment as an attempt to weaken opposition voices, while other parties have also indicated plans to file appeals and seek similar stay orders.
Legal analysts say the matter is likely to escalate through higher courts, potentially reaching the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, given its constitutional implications.
Observers note that the outcome of the case could significantly shape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, with possible implications for party alignments, mergers, and electoral participation.
There are also broader concerns about the impact of the ruling on Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, with some stakeholders warning that enforcing the deregistration could reduce political competition, while others argue it could strengthen the system by ensuring compliance with constitutional standards.
INEC’s move underscores the delicate balance between judicial authority and electoral regulation, as the commission navigates its mandate within the framework of ongoing legal proceedings.
The case remains a developing story, with attention now focused on the court’s decision on the stay application and subsequent appellate rulings that will determine the fate of the affected political parties.
