Attempts to deregister main opposition parties

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties: the African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party. The ruling on June 15, 2026, stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, who argued the parties failed to meet constitutional benchmarks for registration.

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judicial rascality

Plaintiffs cited Section 225A of the constitution, which requires parties to secure at least 25% of votes in a state during a presidential election or win at least one elective seat at federal, state, or local government levels. They contended that the affected parties performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, failing to secure representation across key government tiers, thus undermining electoral integrity.

However, the parties' continued recognition was challenged, with legal opinions suggesting they had indeed won legislative seats. Justice Lifu's judgment declared that INEC should deregister these parties for breaching constitutional requirements. The court also issued an order restraining the parties from participating in elections or political activities and barred INEC from official dealings with them pending compliance.

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judicial impertinence

Adding to the controversy, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, on June 26, 2026, set aside its earlier order directing INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Judge Isah Dashen stated that all parties must be heard before substantive decisions are made, contrasting with his December 10, 2025, order to register the party.

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gravest form of judicial misconduct

The most significant development came from the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on June 16, 2026. The appellate panel strongly rebuked Justice Peter Lifu, labeling his actions as "judicial rascality" and "judicial impertinence." The court found that Justice Lifu flagrantly violated a May 22, 2026, order that had explicitly directed him to halt all proceedings related to the matter. By delivering his judgment despite an active stay of proceedings, the appellate court ruled that Justice Lifu exhibited "the gravest form of judicial misconduct" and a "brazen violation of judicial hierarchy."

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brazen violation of judicial hierarchy