ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A Federal High Court has ordered Nigeria’s electoral commission to deregister five opposition parties, ruling they failed to meet constitutional requirements to remain on the ballot. The decision has triggered a wave of criticism from party leaders and raised questions about the future of multi‑party democracy in Africa’s most populous nation.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment in Abuja, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The court said the parties did not meet performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the constitution, which requires winning at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or securing an elective seat at any level of government.
The case was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties had consistently failed to meet electoral benchmarks in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by‑elections. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, supported the suit, saying INEC had a constitutional duty to deregister non‑performing parties. He warned that retaining them would “inflate the ballots, burden public funds, complicate election administration, and undermine electoral integrity.”
Opposition leaders pushed back strongly. ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark accused the government of “playing with fire” and vowed the party would still contest in 2027. Accord Party Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State said the ruling violated a Court of Appeal order, while African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore described the decision as undemocratic. Other opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi, also condemned the judgment, framing it as part of a broader attempt to weaken political competition.
The ruling bars INEC from recognizing the affected parties, accepting nominations from their candidates, or allowing them to participate in the 2027 elections. It also restrains the parties from conducting political activities such as rallies, primaries, or campaigns unless they meet constitutional requirements. INEC, however, opposed the suit, arguing that the case lacked merit and insisting that deregistration decisions should be guided by electoral realities rather than judicial intervention.
The controversy underscores Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance electoral efficiency with political pluralism. With more than 90 parties registered in recent years, the judgment could reshape the country’s political landscape by narrowing the field of contenders. International observers say the case will be closely watched as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, given its role as a regional power whose democratic trajectory influences West Africa’s stability.
