Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned hearing in a suit seeking the deregistration of four political parties over alleged constitutional violations.
The case was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), targeting the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA).
Justice Lifu fixed May 5, 2026, for hearing after granting the plaintiffs leave to amend their originating summons to formally include additional political parties alleged to have breached Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution.
The plaintiffs had requested the amendment to ensure all affected parties were properly joined in the suit.
In a brief ruling, the judge directed parties yet to respond to the amended processes to do so without delay, emphasising the urgency and public significance of the matter.
He noted that with party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections drawing closer, the case requires expedited determination.
The court ordered all parties to file the necessary documents 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 requests in the interest of justice.
However, the application was opposed by the ADC, which argued that the suit is incompetent.
The plaintiffs are seeking declaratory orders compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce constitutional provisions guiding the operation of political parties.
They are also requesting mandatory and perpetual injunctions restraining INEC from recognising or giving effect to the political activities of the affected parties until they fully comply with the law.
According to the plaintiffs, allowing the parties to participate in the 2027 general elections would overcrowd ballot papers, strain public resources, and weaken electoral integrity.
