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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The legal battle over the proposed deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA) and the Accord Party, is set to intensify on March 24, 2026, as the Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to rule on key applications and hear preliminary objections in the matter.
The suit, instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and multiple political parties, seeks a judicial interpretation of Section 225A of the Fourth Alteration Act (2017) of the Nigerian Constitution.
At the last sitting, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, proceedings focused on procedural applications rather than the substantive issues raised in the suit. Notably, the Accord Party is seeking leave of court to file a further counter-affidavit, a motion the court is expected to rule on during the upcoming session.
In addition, the court will hear and determine all pending motions relating to preliminary objections filed by the defendant parties.
Legal observers note a clear pattern emerging from the proceedings so far: the defendant parties appear more focused on challenging the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the court, rather than addressing the core constitutional questions raised by the plaintiffs.
Counsel to the African Democratic Congress, Shaibu Enejo Aruwa (SAN), had earlier informed the court of multiple applications filed by the party, including a challenge to the court’s jurisdiction and a request for extension of time to regularize its processes.
Similarly, other defendant parties have filed preliminary objections, raising legal and procedural issues aimed at halting or limiting the court’s consideration of the substantive claims.
The NFFL, however, insists that the matter is of significant public interest, arguing that INEC must be compelled to uniformly apply constitutional provisions governing political party registration and deregistration.
Recall that that the Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, has maintained that selective enforcement of the law undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether the defendant parties, including ADC and Accord Party, have met the constitutional requirements necessary to retain their registration status.
As the March 24 hearing approaches, the outcome of the court’s rulings on the pending applications and objections is expected to align the direction of the case either clearing the way for a full hearing on the merits or stalling the suit at a preliminary stage.