The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of African Democratic Congress (ADC), and four other parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued existence.

Justice Peter Lifu declared on Monday that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whould deregister ADC, Accord, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party, (ZLP), after the political parties failed to secure at least 25% of votes cast in at least one state of the Federation, or secure at least a seat in the National or state Assembly or secure a chairmanship position in at least one local government area in the federation in the last general election.

Justice Lifu, had before delving into the main issue, dismissed all preliminary objections raised by the defendants and barred INEC from allowing the five parties to contest subsequent elections, including the forthcoming 2027 general elections, for failing to meet the legal threshold.

The suit with number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) was joined as plaintiff, while INEC was named as 1st defendant.

The forum argued the parties lacked the electoral spread and performance required by law for their continued existence. 

It contended that the political parties must secure at least 25% of votes in prescribed elections to remain registered.

The plaintiff urged the court to deregister them, insisting that none of the defendants effectively countered the arguments.

This Judgment affects ADC, which on Monday confirmed Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State as Atiku’s running mate in the forthcoming presidential election.