Court shifts hearing on ADC, others’ deregistration case to April 27
The legal proceedings seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties have been adjourned to Monday, April 27, 2026, for continuation of hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The matter, which has attracted significant political attention, was initially scheduled to resume after earlier proceedings on March 24, 2026, when the court entertained all pending applications in the suit, except a motion for amendment filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL). That motion was subsequently adjourned for ruling on April 17.
However, when the case came up on April 17, proceedings could not go on due to the absence of the presiding judge, leading to a further adjournment. The matter was thereafter shifted, and has now been fixed for April 27 for continuation.
A ruling on the outstanding motion is expected to play a key role in determining whether the case proceeds to full hearing.
The presiding judge had earlier granted an accelerated hearing of the suit, citing the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political party primaries ahead of upcoming elections, stressing the need for timely resolution of the issues raised.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of the key parties listed in the suit, is currently facing internal leadership disputes, with multiple court cases challenging its structure. The situation has further complicated its political standing, amid controversies surrounding its recognition status within the country’s electoral framework.
INEC had reportedly withdrawn recognition of the party’s leadership in the midst of the ongoing crisis, deepening uncertainty over its organisational direction.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which is seeking the deregistration of the affected political parties on the grounds of alleged failure to meet constitutional and electoral requirements.
Specifically, the applicants are urging the court to compel INEC to enforce Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the electoral body to deregister political parties that fail to meet prescribed performance thresholds, including electoral participation and compliance obligations.
With the latest adjournment, all eyes are now on the April 27 sitting, where the court is expected to take further steps that could determine the trajectory of the high-profile political case.
