From PDP crisis to Accord deregistration, Adeleke’s re-election bid faces fresh threat at critical time

The political future of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke faces a significant challenge following a Federal High Court order in Abuja to deregister five political parties, including the Accord party, which serves as his platform for re-election. The court's decision on Monday, June 15, 2026, mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the parties for failing to meet constitutional performance requirements.

Justice Peter Lifu issued the order in response to a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), performed poorly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent contests. The plaintiff invoked Section 225(a) of the Nigerian constitution, which allows INEC to deregister parties that fail to secure a prescribed percentage of votes or any elective positions at federal, state, or local government levels.

However, Samakin AbdulJeleel, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adeleke on media monitoring, dismissed the High Court's ruling, asserting its invalidity. He explained that the case is currently before the Court of Appeal, which has adjourned proceedings to September 2026. AbdulJeleel argued that a lower court cannot revisit a case already under appeal, deeming it a violation of the rule of law. He confirmed that the Accord party's activities will continue, including a rally where Governor Adeleke is expected to declare his intention to run for governor.

The judgment arrives at a critical juncture for Osun State, with preparations for the off-cycle governorship election scheduled for August 15 in full swing. Political maneuvering, including potential alliances and defections, is intensifying as parties position themselves for the upcoming contest.

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There is no way the ruling by the High Court will stand because the case is already in the Court of Appeal, so there’s no way appeal court is having an interest in a particular case, and they have adjourned the case to September this year, and another lower court, which is high court, is now taking up the case again. That is a violation of the rule of law.