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By Lizzy Chirkpi
It was a battle of legal supremacy on Monday at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja, as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) stormed the courtroom for a high-stakes showdown over the fate of several political parties. Although the proceeding was abruptly halted due to the absence of the presiding judge.
The suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and the Action Peoples Party (APP) was shifted to Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Despite the packed courtroom and heavy presence of senior lawyers, proceedings could not commence, forcing an adjournment that only heightened tensions surrounding the politically sensitive case.
The court premises was buzzing with activity as top legal minds representing the National Forum of Former Legislators, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the affected political parties squared up for what many called a looming legal fireworks display.
Each of the NFFL, INEC and ADC reportedly fielded two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, while Accord and other parties were also represented by senior counsels.
“The suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeks a clear interpretation of the Constitution and aims to expound and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence,” said lead counsel for the group, Yakubu Ruba, while addressing journalists after the court session.
He stressed that the case was not a political witch-hunt but a constitutional test meant to uphold democratic standards.
“This action is about the rule of law and ensuring that political parties operating in Nigeria meet the requirements clearly laid down in the Constitution,” Ruba added.
The National Forum of Former Legislators had filed the suit in December 2025, challenging the continued recognition of the listed parties over alleged failure to meet the constitutional threshold for political party existence.
According to the group, allowing non-compliant parties to remain on the ballot weakens Nigeria’s democratic system and undermines electoral credibility.
“This case represents a crucial step toward building a more credible, functional and law-abiding political process,” the Forum maintained in a statement.
With some of Nigeria’s most powerful legal minds now locked in the courtroom contest, expectations are high that the resumed hearing will ignite a fierce constitutional battle one that could reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
All eyes now turn to February 24, when the long-anticipated clash of Senior Advocates is expected to finally begin.