A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of five political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by Justice Peter Lifu in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
The affected parties include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party.
The plaintiffs asked the court to determine whether INEC was bound to deregister parties that failed constitutional performance thresholds.
They argued that the parties did not meet requirements such as winning elective seats or securing minimum vote percentages.
According to the suit, the parties also performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections.
The court held that the Independent National Electoral Commission must remove the parties from its register.
It also ordered INEC not to recognise or conduct official business with the affected parties.
The judgment further restrained the parties from holding campaigns, rallies or participating in electoral activities.
The court said continued recognition of the parties was inconsistent with constitutional provisions.
It ruled that failure to meet electoral benchmarks weakens Nigeria’s democratic and party system structure.
The decision may significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC and other affected parties are expected to explore legal options to challenge the ruling.
The case has raised concerns about its potential impact on political competition and party participation in Nigeria.
Observers said the judgment could trigger extensive appeals in higher courts in the coming weeks.
