Atiku’s 2027 Plans Face Uncertainty As Court Orders ADC, Others Deregistered

By Princely Onyenwe

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, a ruling that could have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, directed INEC to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) over their failure to meet constitutional requirements for retaining political party status.

The judgment followed a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties failed to satisfy the electoral performance thresholds stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and relevant INEC regulations.

According to the plaintiffs, the parties neither secured the required percentage of votes in presidential elections nor won elective seats at the federal, state, or local government levels, as required by law.

The ruling is expected to generate widespread political debate, particularly because of its potential impact on preparations for the 2027 elections.

Political observers say the judgment could raise questions about the political future of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has recently been linked to opposition realignment efforts involving the ADC. While Atiku has not formally emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, the court’s decision may create uncertainty around any future political plans tied to the platform.

Beyond ordering deregistration, the plaintiffs had also sought to restrain the affected parties from participating in elections, conducting primaries, holding rallies, or engaging in other political activities unless they comply with constitutional provisions governing political parties.

The court’s decision places the spotlight on INEC’s constitutional responsibilities and could trigger further legal and political actions as stakeholders assess the implications of the judgment.

With less than a year before political activities for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the ruling is likely to reshape calculations among opposition parties and aspirants seeking viable platforms to contest future elections.

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