By Jimmy Fatunbi
A Federal High Court judgment directing the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, who describe the ruling as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic system.
Prominent political leaders, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and ADC National Chairman David Mark, faulted the decision, warning that it could weaken political pluralism and undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the judgment, arguing that it poses a threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and could diminish opposition representation in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.
In the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the group asked the court to determine whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is constitutionally required to deregister political parties that fail to meet electoral performance standards outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and relevant INEC regulations.
The plaintiffs argued that the five affected parties consistently failed to satisfy the constitutional requirements for retaining their registration.
According to the forum, political parties are expected to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win at least one elective position at the federal, state, or local government level.
The group maintained that the ADC and the four other parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure representation across key levels of government.
Consequently, the plaintiffs urged the court to declare that INEC has a legal obligation to remove non-performing parties from the electoral register and to compel the commission to implement the deregistration before preparations for the 2027 elections progress further.
The judgment has since ignited debate over its potential impact on political competition and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria
