Story perspectives

Nigeria Court Deregisters ADC, Citing Election Threshold Failure

6/16/2026

Summary

Court Deregisters Parties

Nigeria's high court ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other parties on June 15, 2026.
Judge Peter Lifu said they failed to win any seat or secure 25% of votes in a state, threatening Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC's presidential candidate, before January 2027 elections.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi called the decision an invitation to anarchy and announced an appeal through constitutional channels.

Summary

**Court Stays Trial**

On 22 May, the Court of Appeal stayed the trial pending an interlocutory appeal by the Accord Party.
The National Forum of Former Legislators filed the suit alleging a breach of Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, with Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi joining as plaintiff and INEC claiming the case lacked standing.
Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the defendants’ preliminary objections, describing Section 225(a) as plain and simple.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 Constitution, adopted on 29 May 1999, inaugurated Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. It also delineates the judiciary’s authority to adjudicate electoral matters. In June 2026 Judge Peter Lifu invoked that constitutional framework to deregister the African Democratic Congress and four other parties for not meeting the required vote share, prompting ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi to appeal the decision.

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Court Deregisters Parties

Nigeria's high court ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other parties on June 15, 2026.
Judge Peter Lifu said they failed to win any seat or secure 25% of votes in a state, threatening Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the ADC's presidential candidate, before January 2027 elections.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi called the decision an invitation to anarchy and announced an appeal through constitutional channels.

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