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 four other political parties over alleged constitutional and electoral violations.
Naijaonpoint reports that the suit was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), a body comprising former federal and state lawmakers.
The constitutional suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, lists the ADC alongside the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, Action Alliance, and the Action Peoples Party as defendants.
The NFFL is asking the court to compel the enforcement of constitutional provisions governing the registration and continued existence of political parties in Nigeria.
Central to the suit is Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers relevant authorities to withdraw recognition from political parties that fail to meet stipulated performance standards and statutory obligations.
The forum is seeking what it described as a “clear and authoritative judicial interpretation” of the section to strengthen constitutional compliance within Nigeria’s multi-party system.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, the National Coordinator of the NFFL, Raphael Igbokwe, said the continued existence of parties that consistently fall short of constitutional thresholds weakens democratic accountability.
Igbokwe said, “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.
“This action is aimed at enforcing the supremacy of the Constitution and restoring discipline and credibility to the political space.”
The NFFL stressed that the legal action 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 forum stated.
The group further argued that the proliferation of weak and non-compliant political parties places unnecessary strain on electoral administration, creates confusion among voters, and contributes little to democratic competition.
The group said, “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 NFFL reaffirmed its resolve to protect democratic institutions and promote 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,” the forum said.