The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed February 16 to hear a suit seeking the deregistration of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) and five other political parties over alleged constitutional and electoral infractions.
The suit was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), a body comprising former federal and state lawmakers, and is aimed at enforcing constitutional provisions governing the registration and continued existence of political parties in Nigeria.
The action, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, was filed against the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Labour Party (LP), Action Alliance (AA) and the Action Peoples Party (APP).
According to the NFFL, the affected parties have persistently failed to meet the mandatory constitutional and electoral benchmarks stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
Central to the suit is Section 225A of the Constitution, which empowers relevant authorities to withdraw recognition from political parties that fail to satisfy prescribed performance standards and statutory obligations.
The forum is asking the court to give what it described as a clear and authoritative judicial interpretation of the section, with a view to strengthening constitutional compliance within Nigeria’s multi-party system.
Speaking on the suit, the National Coordinator of the NFFL, Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, argued that the continued existence of political parties that consistently fall short of constitutional thresholds undermines democratic accountability and weakens the electoral process.
“The continued operation of inactive and non-performing political parties erodes the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy and dilutes the effectiveness of the party system,” Igbokwe said.
He added that the legal action was aimed at enforcing the supremacy of the Constitution and restoring discipline and credibility to the political space.
The forum stressed that the suit was not driven by partisan interests but by a broader concern for constitutionalism, electoral integrity and democratic consolidation.
“This suit is not politically motivated. It is firmly rooted in the rule of law, constitutional compliance, and the urgent need to sanitise Nigeria’s political environment of parties that exist largely in name but fail to meet basic constitutional and statutory obligations,” the group stated.
The NFFL further noted that the proliferation of weak and non-compliant political parties places unnecessary strain on electoral administration, creates confusion among voters and adds little value to democratic competition.
“A credible democracy requires a disciplined and accountable party system. Political parties must not only be registered but must also demonstrate measurable participation and performance as required by law,” the statement added.
The forum reiterated its commitment to the protection of democratic institutions and the strengthening of constitutional governance in Nigeria.
“We remain unwavering in our resolve to uphold the Constitution and promote a credible, accountable and functional multi-party democracy for Nigeria,” it said.
Credit: The Guardian