By Our Correspondent
In a development that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections, the Federal Government—through the Attorney General—has backed a legal action seeking the removal of five political parties from the official register maintained by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The request, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, targets the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and Zenith Labour Party. The case originated from a suit by a group known as the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argues that these parties have failed to meet the constitutional and statutory conditions required to remain operational.
According to the Attorney General, while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to form and belong to political parties, that right is conditional. Political parties must demonstrate ongoing compliance with legal requirements, including electoral performance and organizational standards. Failure to meet these benchmarks, he argues, justifies their deregistration.
The Federal Government further maintains that allowing such parties to remain registered could amount to a breach of INEC’s constitutional responsibilities, particularly in ensuring that only qualified and compliant parties participate in the democratic process.
This case is being closely watched, especially as political alignments and coalition-building efforts begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections. A court ruling in favor of deregistration could significantly reduce the number of recognized parties and alter the balance of political competition in the country.
The court is expected to continue hearings on the matter, with a decision that may have lasting implications for Nigeria’s multi-party system.
