Court Hears Fresh Bid to Deregister ADC, Other Political Parties as Defendants Push for Case Suspension

Fresh legal fireworks erupted at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday as parties defending the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several other political parties urged the court to halt proceedings in a suit seeking their deregistration.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, has quickly become one of the most closely watched political lawsuits ahead of the 2027 general election, with fears that the outcome could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, adjourned the matter to May 18, 2026, after hearing arguments on applications for stay of proceedings and multiple requests by politicians seeking to join the suit as defendants.

The lawsuit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several political parties, including the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party.

During Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the sixth defendant, Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), argued that the court should suspend further hearing because issues connected to the case were already before the Court of Appeal.

Adetunbi maintained that it would be improper for the trial court to continue entertaining matters currently pending before a higher court. His position was backed by lawyers representing the ADC, Action Alliance, APP and Zenith Labour Party, who collectively insisted that proceeding with the case could prejudice the pending appeal.

Counsel to the ADC, Shuaib Enejo Aruwa (SAN), argued that the appellate court was actively handling the matter and could reach a decision within days. Lawyers for the defence further claimed that continuing the trial while appeal processes were ongoing could create legal complications and conflicting judicial outcomes.

However, counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba, strongly opposed the applications for stay of proceedings. He argued that the appeal before the Court of Appeal was merely interlocutory and did not strip the Federal High Court of jurisdiction to continue hearing the substantive matter.

Ruba told the court that there was no valid order from either the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court directing Justice Lifu to suspend proceedings. He relied on an earlier Supreme Court ruling to support his argument that the trial court was still legally empowered to proceed with the case.

The hearing also witnessed a wave of joinder applications from politicians seeking to be included as defendants due to the potential political consequences of the suit.

One of the applicants, a serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sani Yakubu Noma, through his lawyer M.E. Sherriff, argued that he would be directly affected if the ADC were deregistered since he belongs to the party.

Another applicant seeking joinder said he intended to contest the Ogun State governorship election under the ADC platform and could suffer political setbacks if the party loses its registration.

Counsel to the plaintiff opposed all the joinder requests, insisting that none of the applicants were necessary parties in the suit because no direct reliefs were being sought against them. The plaintiff also asked the court to dismiss the applications and award N50 million in costs.

The case has drawn major political attention because of the growing role opposition parties may play in the buildup to the 2027 elections. With recent political realignments involving key opposition figures, any move affecting party registration is expected to trigger wider national debate over democracy, electoral competition and political inclusion in Nigeria.