The presidential ambition of African Democratic Congress, ADC for the 2016 election, Alhakin Atiku Abubakar isa under serious political challenge as orders the Independent National Electoral Commission, IBWC to deregister it.
The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to deregister ADC, the political platform linked to his proposed presidential bid.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the judgment following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the ADC and four other parties — Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party — failed to satisfy constitutional requirements necessary to retain their registration.
The plaintiffs maintained that the affected parties did not meet the electoral performance benchmarks stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, including securing at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning elective positions at the national, state, or local government levels.
The court action stemmed from claims that the parties recorded poor performances in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, thereby failing to gain representation across various levels of government. The litigants argued that their continued recognition as political parties was unlawful and sought an order compelling INEC to remove them from the list of registered parties.
The judgment also sought to prevent the affected parties from taking part in electoral activities, including campaigns, rallies, and primaries, unless they comply with constitutional provisions. The ruling is expected to have implications for the political plans of candidates seeking to contest under the affected parties, including Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election.
