By Okoi Obono-Obla
The Federal High Court’s decision in Abuja to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other parties marks a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic process. Justice Peter Lifu’s ruling, anchored on Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, makes clear that political parties which fail to secure at least 25 per cent of the votes in general elections cannot continue to exist as recognized entities. In effect, deregistration strips them of the legal capacity to sponsor candidates, conduct primaries, or participate in elections.
This judgment immediately raises questions about ADC’s future, particularly since the party has already nominated candidates for the 2027 general elections. The constitutional reality is stark: those nominations are invalid. INEC, bound by law, cannot recognize candidates of deregistered parties. For aspirants, the options are limited—either pursue an appeal and secure a stay of execution, or defect to a registered party capable of legally sponsoring them.
The broader significance lies in the reinforcement of INEC’s regulatory authority. By enforcing performance thresholds, the Commission ensures that only viable parties remain active participants in Nigeria’s democracy. This strengthens electoral accountability and prevents the proliferation of parties that fail to meet basic constitutional standards.
What happens next is crucial. ADC and the other affected parties may challenge the ruling at the appellate courts, but until then, their political activities—including campaigns, rallies, and primaries—lack constitutional backing. The decision therefore not only renders ADC’s 2027 nominations ineffective but also signals a decisive step toward reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
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