BREAKING: Court Orders the Deregistration of ,ADC, AA, APP and Three other Major Political parties Ahead of 2027

A fresh legal development may significantly alter Nigeria’s political calculations ahead of the next election cycle, as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has reportedly ordered the deregistration of five political parties over alleged constitutional non-compliance.

According to reports, Justice Peter Lifu held that the affected parties breached constitutional provisions relating to the continued existence of registered political parties, particularly under Section 225 of the Constitution. 

The parties affected by the ruling include African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The case was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties no longer met the constitutional and electoral thresholds required for their continued registration. 

The plaintiffs maintained that under constitutional and electoral provisions, political parties are expected to demonstrate electoral relevance through participation and performance across elections. They urged the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove the affected parties from its register and prevent them from participating in future elections. 

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, was also joined in the suit and reportedly aligned with the prayers before the court. 

However, this legal dispute has not been entirely straightforward. Earlier proceedings surrounding the same matter experienced delays after appellate intervention, with reports indicating that aspects of the case had been stalled pending further judicial processes. 

Political Implications

If ultimately sustained and implemented, the ruling could reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections and upcoming off-cycle governorship contests.

Attention has focused on prominent figures linked with affected parties, including Atiku Abubakar and Ademola Adeleke, whose political calculations may be impacted depending on subsequent legal outcomes and electoral decisions.

Political analysts expect appeals, constitutional interpretation battles, and further court actions to determine whether the ruling becomes final or is modified before election timetables fully commence.

For now, what began as a constitutional suit has evolved into one of the most consequential legal contests in Nigeria’s emerging 2027 political landscape.

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