A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed attempts by some politicians and political parties to join the ongoing suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party and three other political parties over alleged constitutional violations.
Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling delivered on Wednesday, rejected separate applications filed by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, ADC chieftain Hon. Sani Yakubu Noma, and Oluwafemi Abayomi Adebambi, the Accord Party governorship candidate in Ekiti State.
The judge held that their respective parties were already listed as defendants in the case, making their individual participation unnecessary.
Justice Lifu also dismissed an application asking the court to suspend proceedings pending appeals before the Court of Appeal.
According to the judge, the matter had progressed significantly, and granting a stay at this stage could create difficulties for other parties involved, especially with political parties preparing candidate lists ahead of future elections.
“It is my considered view not to grant the stay except otherwise decided by the upper court,” the judge said, describing the arguments presented by the applicants as lacking merit.
Following the ruling, the court fixed June 5 for judgment in the substantive suit.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission and several political parties, including the ADC, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party.
Arguing for the plaintiff, senior lawyer Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba contended that the affected parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements relating to electoral spread and performance.
He cited Supreme Court decisions to support his claim that political parties must secure at least 25 per cent of votes in relevant elections to remain legally recognised, insisting that the defendant parties had failed to effectively challenge the argument.
Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation, A. Abdulrahman told the court that the AGF had constitutional authority to support measures aimed at ensuring compliance with the law.
Lawyers representing the political parties, however, urged the court to dismiss the suit and award substantial costs against the plaintiff.
Counsel for the Action Peoples Party, Peter Abang, also argued that issues raised in the suit had already been considered before the Court of Appeal and should not be relitigated.
Justice Lifu said the court would review the appellate court’s position alongside all arguments before delivering judgment.
At an earlier hearing, defence lawyers, including Musibau Adetunbi for Accord Party and Shuaib Enejo Aruwa for the ADC, had urged the court to pause proceedings pending the outcome of interlocutory appeals, warning that continuing with the case could prejudice issues already before the appellate court.
The plaintiff opposed the request, maintaining that neither the Court of Appeal nor the Supreme Court had restrained the Federal High Court from proceeding.
INEC’s counsel, Haliru Mohammed, informed the court that the commission had already filed a counter-affidavit in response to the suit.
After adopting their written addresses, all parties concluded arguments.
Reacting after proceedings, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, said the suit was not aimed at targeting any political party but rather at strengthening electoral law and promoting a more credible political system.
