Ex-Lawmakers Seek Amendment in Political Parties Deregistration Suit

A group of former lawmakers is pursuing an amendment to their original suit filed against the deregistration of certain political parties, claiming breaches of the constitution. The suit, which targets the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance, is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The plaintiffs, represented by counsel Yakubu Ruba, are requesting the court to allow them to formally include parties they allege have violated Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution. The hearing is scheduled for April 17, 2026.

However, the application has faced opposition from the African Democratic Congress, whose counsel, Shuaibu Aruwa, argues that the application is incompetent and should be dismissed due to inconsistencies in the plaintiffs' identification and procedural violations. The case also involves a broader context where the plaintiffs seek to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister parties that allegedly fail to meet constitutional requirements, including securing at least 25 percent of votes in states during presidential elections.