Court Sets February 16 for Hearing on Suit Seeking Deregistration of ADC Four Other Parties

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 16 for the hearing of a suit seeking the deregistration of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) along with four other political parties over alleged violations of constitutional and electoral requirements.

According to Gossip News Now , the suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), an association made up of former federal and state parliamentarians.

The case, registered as FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, lists the ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, Action Alliance and the Action Peoples Party as defendants.

The NFFL is requesting the court to enforce key constitutional provisions governing the creation, operation and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

At the heart of the suit is Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants authorities the power to deregister political parties that fail to meet prescribed standards of performance and statutory obligations.

The group is seeking what it calls a “definitive and authoritative interpretation” of this section to reinforce compliance within Nigeria’s multi-party democratic structure.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, NFFL National Coordinator Raphael Igbokwe said the ongoing existence of parties that repeatedly fall short of constitutional expectations undermines democratic accountability.

He stated:
“The continued operation of inactive and non-performing political parties weakens the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy and diminishes the functionality of the party system.

“This legal action is aimed at reinforcing the supremacy of the Constitution and restoring order and reliability to the political landscape.”

The NFFL emphasized that its petition is not based on partisan interests but stems from a wider commitment to constitutionalism, electoral credibility and sustainable democratic development.

“This suit is not politically driven,” the group noted. “It is grounded in the need for constitutional compliance and the urgent necessity to clean up the political environment, where many parties exist only in name and fail to meet basic legal requirements.”

The forum further argued that the presence of numerous weak and non-compliant parties burdens electoral management, causes voter confusion and contributes minimally to meaningful political competition.

“A healthy democracy needs a responsible and accountable party structure,” the statement continued. “Political parties must not only be registered but must actively participate and perform according to constitutional standards.”

Reaffirming its mission, the NFFL expressed its unwavering dedication to defending democratic institutions and advancing constitutional governance in the country.

“We remain committed to upholding the Constitution and fostering a credible, accountable and functional multi-party democracy in Nigeria,” the forum declared.