A Federal High Court has ordered Nigeria’s electoral commission to deregister five political parties, ruling that they failed to meet constitutional performance thresholds. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment on Monday, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strike off the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). He further ordered that the parties be barred from presenting candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The case was brought by a group of former legislators who argued that the parties had consistently failed to win seats or secure the minimum share of votes required under Section 225A of the Constitution. The provision, reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022, stipulates that parties must win at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or secure at least one elective seat at national, state, or local government level to retain registration.
The plaintiffs pointed to the poor performance of the five parties in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, saying their continued existence undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system. The court agreed, declaring that INEC is duty-bound to deregister parties that fail to meet the constitutional benchmarks.
The ruling marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. The ADC, once seen as a platform for reform-minded politicians, has struggled to maintain relevance since its peak in the mid-2010s. The APP and AA, both small parties, have rarely won seats in national contests. Accord Party, which had some influence in Oyo State politics, has seen its support dwindle. The ZLP, founded by former governor Olusegun Mimiko, has also failed to expand beyond its regional base.
Reactions have been mixed. On social media, some Nigerians welcomed the decision, arguing that deregistering weak parties will streamline the political system and reduce ballot clutter. Others criticized the move, saying it limits democratic choice and stifles smaller voices.
Policy makers in the National Assembly expressed cautious support, noting that the proliferation of parties has often complicated elections. Civil society groups, however, warned that deregistration could discourage political participation and weaken grassroots movements.
Analysts compared the ruling to earlier deregistrations in 2020, when INEC struck off 74 parties for failing to meet performance thresholds. That move was upheld by the Supreme Court, setting a precedent for Monday’s judgment.
As preparations for the 2027 elections begin, the ruling underscores the tension between maintaining electoral standards and preserving political diversity. For now, the five parties face an uncertain future, with their supporters left to decide whether to merge with larger platforms or fade from Nigeria’s political scene.
