ADC, Four Other Parties Face Possible Deregistration As Court Fixes February 16 Hearing

The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), an association made up of former members of federal and state legislatures.

Filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, the action names the ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, Action Alliance and Action Peoples Party as defendants.

Through the suit, the NFFL is urging the court to enforce constitutional provisions regulating the registration and continued operation of political parties in Nigeria.

At the heart of the case is Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants authorities the power to withdraw recognition from political parties that fail to satisfy prescribed performance benchmarks and statutory obligations.

The forum is seeking what it described as a definitive judicial interpretation of the section to promote stricter adherence to constitutional standards within Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Speaking for the group, NFFL National Coordinator, Raphael Igbokwe, said the survival of political parties that consistently fail to meet constitutional requirements undermines democratic accountability.

According to him, “The continued operation of inactive and non-performing political parties weakens the integrity of our democracy and diminishes the effectiveness of the party system.

“This action is meant to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and restore credibility and discipline to the political space.”

The NFFL emphasised that the lawsuit is not driven by political interests but by concerns over constitutionalism, electoral integrity and democratic development.

“This suit is not politically motivated. It is firmly grounded in the rule of law, constitutional compliance, and the urgent need to clean up Nigeria’s political environment of parties that exist largely in name but fail to meet basic legal obligations,” the group stated.

The forum further argued that the proliferation of weak and non-compliant parties places an unnecessary burden on electoral management bodies, confuses voters and contributes little to meaningful 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 group added.

The NFFL reiterated its commitment to safeguarding democratic institutions and promoting constitutional governance in Nigeria, stressing its determination to support a credible, accountable and functional multi-party system.