The National Forum of Former Legislators has approached the court seeking an order to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements.

In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 and filed on April 23, INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) are listed as first and second defendants, respectively.

The ADC is listed as the third defendant, while the Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) are named as fourth to seventh defendants.

The plaintiffs argued that the affected parties failed to meet the constitutional threshold stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), insisting that INEC has no discretion to retain parties that do not satisfy the requirements.

They maintained that the continued recognition of such parties undermines electoral integrity and constitutional order, adding that it inflates ballots, burdens public funds, and complicates election administration.

Describing the action as a public interest litigation, the plaintiffs said it is aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions governing political party registration and operations.

According to the suit, any failure or refusal by INEC to deregister the parties constitutes a continuing breach of constitutional duty, which can be challenged through public interest litigation.

The plaintiffs further argued that the right to associate as a political party is not absolute, stressing that compliance with constitutional provisions is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral system.

They also urged the AGF to act in the public interest, noting that the office has a dual role of defending the state and protecting citizens’ rights, including ensuring that laws are properly interpreted and enforced.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.