The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Monday, ruling that the parties breached Section 225 of the Constitution.

The court noted that the Constitution empowers INEC to deregister political parties that fail to secure any elective position or at least 25 per cent of votes in previous federal, state, and local government elections. The ruling reinforces INEC’s authority to enforce compliance with electoral laws.

If implemented immediately, the judgment could significantly impact preparations for the 2027 general elections and the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. The decision may also result in the disqualification of candidates seeking elective offices under the affected parties.