Nigeria's electoral body seeks to suspend deregistration of five parties

Nigeria's electoral commission, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is seeking to halt a court order that mandates the deregistration of five political parties. The commission has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, requesting a stay of execution on the Federal High Court's judgment.

The Federal High Court had previously ordered INEC to deregister the Accord, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). This ruling, based on the parties' alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements, could have significant political ramifications.

Specifically, the deregistration threatens the political ambitions of prominent figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently became the ADC's presidential candidate, could be barred from contesting the 2027 presidential election. Similarly, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke might be unable to seek re-election in the upcoming August governorship polls.

The legal challenge comes as these parties are central to ongoing political realignments for the 2027 general elections and other state contests. The National Forum of Former Legislators had initiated the suit, arguing that the parties did not meet the performance thresholds outlined in the Nigerian constitution. While the court agreed, the Court of Appeal had reportedly already issued a stay of proceedings on the case, adding a layer of legal complexity.