THIS DAWN — Nigeria’s multi-party democracy faces a potential shake-up as the Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to deliberate on the deregistration of five political parties.
The case, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), challenges the continued existence of parties accused of failing to meet constitutional and electoral requirements.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, targets the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party.
Other targeted parties include Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Alliance (AA), and Action Peoples Party (APP).
The hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2026.
Background
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act set performance benchmarks for political parties.
The benchmarks including requirements for participation in elections, internal democracy, and compliance with statutory obligations.
Section 225A of the Constitution empowers authorities to withdraw recognition from parties that fail to meet these standards.
The NFFL argues that several parties have consistently fallen short, existing “largely in name” without meaningful participation or measurable performance.
According to the Forum, this undermines democratic accountability and weakens Nigeria’s electoral process.
NFFL’s Position
Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, National Coordinator of the NFFL, emphasized that the suit is not politically motivated but aimed at enforcing constitutional compliance.
- Democratic Integrity: Igbokwe stated that inactive and non-performing parties erode the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
- Rule of Law: The Forum insists that deregistration is necessary to uphold constitutional supremacy and restore discipline to the political space.
- Electoral Burden: The proliferation of weak parties, according to the NFFL, strains electoral administration, confuses voters, and dilutes competition.
In its statement, the Forum stressed:
“This suit is firmly rooted in the rule of law, constitutional compliance, and the urgent need to sanitise Nigeria’s political environment of parties that exist largely in name but fail to meet basic constitutional and statutory obligations.”
Implications for Nigeria’s Party System
If the court rules in favor of deregistration, Nigeria’s political landscape could undergo significant restructuring:
- Reduced Party Proliferation: Nigeria currently has dozens of registered parties, many of which struggle to maintain relevance.
Deregistration would streamline the system.
- Strengthened Accountability: Parties would be compelled to demonstrate measurable participation in elections and governance.
- Impact on Opposition Politics: Smaller parties often serve as platforms for dissent or coalition-building.
Their removal could consolidate power among dominant parties like the APC and PDP.
- Legal Precedent: A ruling would reinforce Section 225A as a tool for enforcing compliance, potentially triggering further deregistration actions in the future.
Broader Context
Nigeria has previously witnessed deregistration of parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), though such moves have often sparked legal challenges.
The current case differs in that it is driven by a civil society group — the NFFL — rather than INEC.
This reflects growing frustration among stakeholders about the proliferation of inactive parties and the perceived weakening of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The Federal High Court’s upcoming hearing on February 16 will be a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s democracy.
The case against ADC, Accord, ZLP, AA, and APP highlights the tension between constitutional compliance and political pluralism.
If the court orders deregistration, it could reshape Nigeria’s political terrain, reducing fragmentation and reinforcing accountability.
However, critics may argue that such actions risk narrowing democratic space and limiting voter choice.
Ultimately, the case underscores the ongoing struggle to balance inclusivity with effectiveness in Nigeria’s multi-party system.
The outcome will not only determine the fate of five parties but also set a precedent for how Nigeria enforces constitutional discipline in its political environment.
