By Paul Joseph
The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear a case on Monday, February 16, 2026, regarding the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties due to their alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements for remaining registered.
The lawsuit, initiated in December 2025 by a public interest organization called the National Forum of Former Legislators, seeks a court ruling on whether the parties in question have fulfilled the constitutional criteria necessary to maintain their registration as political entities under Nigerian law.
This case arises amid ongoing discussions about the increasing number of political parties in Nigeria and the enforcement of constitutional rules governing their survival.
According to Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the authority to deregister political parties that do not meet specific performance standards, such as winning at least one seat in the National or State Assembly, governorship, local government chairmanship, or achieving a designated percentage of votes in elections.
In 2020, INEC utilized this authority to deregister several political parties following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld its power, significantly decreasing the number of registered parties ahead of the 2023 general elections.
In the current lawsuit, the National Forum of Former Legislators argues that the ADC and the four other parties have not met the necessary constitutional requirements for their continued operation. The group is asking the court to interpret and enforce the relevant laws in accordance with what it describes as the essence of the Constitution.
The Forum asserts that their action is not politically motivated but rather aims to enhance Nigeria’s electoral law and promote democratic accountability.
“Our intervention is solely in the public interest,” the group stated. “This lawsuit aims to enrich and clarify Nigeria’s electoral law and ensure strict adherence to the constitutional provisions governing the existence of political parties.”
The Forum emphasized that allowing parties that do not meet constitutional standards to continue functioning undermines the integrity of the electoral process and leads to unnecessary fragmentation in the political landscape.
“This case is a vital step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensuring a more credible and effective political system,” the group added.
Legal analysts suggest that the outcome of this case could significantly impact Nigeria’s political environment, especially for smaller parties whose electoral performance may face increased scrutiny.
While supporters of stricter enforcement argue that it fosters seriousness and reduces ballot clutter, critics caution that excessive deregistration could limit political diversity.
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