Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned hearing in a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA) over alleged violations of Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution.
The judge fixed May 5 for hearing after granting the plaintiffs leave to amend their originating summons to join additional political parties alleged to be in breach of constitutional provisions alongside the ADC.
The NFFL had sought the amendment to ensure that all affected parties were properly joined in the suit for determination.
In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu directed all parties yet to respond to the amended originating summons to do so without delay, noting that the matter was time-sensitive and of significant public interest.
He observed that with party primaries approaching ahead of the 2027 general elections, the case required accelerated hearing and determination.
The court subsequently ordered all parties to file and exchange necessary processes on or before May 1 and adjourned proceedings to May 5 for hearing.
In the substantive suit, the former lawmakers are urging the court to invoke Order 7 Rule 6 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice.
The application, however, was opposed by the ADC, which argued that it was incompetent and lacking merit.
The plaintiffs are seeking declaratory orders compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce constitutional provisions governing the registration and operation of political parties.
They are also seeking mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining INEC from recognising or allowing the political activities of the affected parties pending full compliance with the law.
According to the plaintiffs, permitting the parties to participate in the 2027 general elections would overcrowd ballot papers, waste public resources, and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
