Court to Hear ADC Deregistration Suit on May 5

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, has set May 5 as the date to hear a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was filed by the National Forum, a group of former legislators, who allege that the ADC has violated constitutional provisions.

The plaintiffs argue that the ADC has not won any electoral seat at various levels, including presidential and gubernatorial elections, and has failed to secure the required 25 percent of votes in state presidential elections. They claim that INEC's continued recognition of the ADC is unconstitutional and contrary to the Electoral Act of 2022.

The court has directed the parties to respond to the amended processes without delay, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of the case as the 2027 general elections approach.