Full Breakdown
Court Order Deregisters Five Opposition Parties Ahead of Upcoming Elections
6/16/2026, 3:10:45 AM
Court Order Deregisters Five Opposition Parties
On 15 June 2024, Federal High Court Judge Peter Lifu ordered INEC to remove the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four parties—Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)—from the official register. The ruling also bars them from fielding candidates or holding rallies until they meet constitutional criteria.
Constitutional Thresholds for Party Registration
Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended by the Fourth Alteration Act and the Electoral Act 2022, requires a party to win at least one elective seat at any level or secure 25 % of votes in a state during a presidential election (or in a local government area during a governorship election). Failure triggers deregistration.
Parties Targeted and Key Figures
The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators and supported by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi. The affected parties include the ADC, whose presidential candidate is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Accord Party, fielding Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke for the August 15 governorship race.
Electoral Performance Shortfalls
The plaintiff argued that the ADC, APP, AA, AP and ZLP failed to win any seats in the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly or local councils in 2023, and did not achieve the 25 % vote share in any state during the presidential contest. These results fall short of the statutory benchmarks.
Political Impact
If enforced, the order would disqualify Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ademola Adeleke, removing two major challengers from the presidential and Osun governorship contests. Analysts note the decision could narrow the opposition field and reshape coalition dynamics ahead of elections scheduled within the next eight months.
Official Statements
Attorney General Fagbemi said, “It is the Attorney General of the Federation’s constitutional responsibility to bring, defend, or support any action for the observance of the provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution.” Justice Lifu concluded the parties “are qualified for deregistration under the constitution.” The ADC announced it will pursue “all legal and constitutional channels” to overturn the order.
Opposition Reaction
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi called the judgment “a direct invitation to anarchy,” arguing it undermines democratic competition. The party pledged to appeal the decision and warned of potential instability if deregistration proceeds.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on the election cycle at stake: some describe the ruling as affecting “next January’s elections,” while others cite preparations for the “2027 general elections.” No source clarifies which timeline the court specifically targeted.
Next Steps
The parties have appealed and seek a stay of execution. INEC must decide whether to suspend their registration pending the outcome. The upcoming presidential election in January (or 2027, per conflicting reports) and the August 15 Osun governorship race will proceed under heightened legal scrutiny.
