The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and six political parties before the Federal High Court in Abuja, over allegations of violations of constitutional provisions governing the continued existence of registered political parties.
The suit, which came up on Tuesday before Justice Peter Lifu, is anchored on the interpretation and enforcement of Section 225A of the Fourth Alteration Act (2017) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether the affected parties have met the mandatory constitutional requirements to retain their registration.
Those listed in the suit include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Peoples Party (APP), as well as the electoral umpire.
Lead counsel to the ADC, Shaibu Enejo Aruwa (SAN), informed the court that his client had filed an application for amendment on January 23, 2026.
According to him, the party submitted an application for extension of time on February 12, 2026, as well as a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.
Justice Lifu, after hearing submissions from counsel for the parties, adjourned the case to March 24, 2026, for ruling on the pending applications and the hearing of preliminary objections.
While speaking with journalists shortly after the proceedings, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, noted that the action was filed in the public interest to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence.
“NFFL is a public interest group, and this suit is aimed at expounding electoral jurisprudence,” Igbokwe said. “Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy anchored on the rule of law. Every institution, including INEC, must act strictly in accordance with the Constitution.”
He argued that INEC doesn’t possess the discretion to selectively enforce constitutional provisions, recalling that the Commission deregistered 74 political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections pursuant to Section 225A.
“INEC cannot pick and choose which political party to apply the Constitution to. We’re concerned that a similar exercise has not been undertaken where necessary,” he added.
Also speaking, lead counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), maintained that the case is fundamentally about constitutional interpretation and the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“We’re before the court purely for constitutional interpretation,” Ruba stated. “Where there’s an alleged breach of constitutional provisions, it’s the duty of the court to provide clarity and guidance.”
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