The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Peoples Party (APP) to February 24, 2026.
The hearing, initially scheduled for February 16, 2026, could not proceed due to the presiding judge’s absence.
Court premises saw heightened activity as all parties and their legal teams were present.
The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the ADC each engaged two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), while the Accord Party was represented by one SAN. The other affected parties also had senior counsels in attendance.
Speaking after the session, the lead counsel for the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), stated that the suit sought constitutional interpretation to further develop Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence.
The NFFL filed the case in December 2025, challenging the recognition of the affected political parties over alleged failure to meet the constitutional thresholds required for their continued existence.
Ruba emphasized that the legal action is intended to strengthen adherence to the rule of law, enrich Nigeria’s electoral framework, and promote a more credible and functional political system.
Legal analysts expect intense arguments when the court resumes hearings next week.
