Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned a suit seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA) to May 5.
The case, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), alleges that the parties violated provisions of Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution.
The court granted the plaintiffs permission to amend their suit to include additional parties and ordered all respondents yet to reply to do so without delay.
Justice Lifu stressed the urgency of the matter, noting its public importance, especially as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
He directed all parties to file necessary documents before May 1 ahead of the next hearing date.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce constitutional rules for political parties.
They also seek orders to stop INEC from recognising the affected parties’ activities until they fully comply with the law.
However, the ADC has opposed the application, describing it as incompetent.
According to the plaintiffs, allowing the parties to participate in the 2027 elections could overcrowd ballot papers, waste public funds, and weaken the credibility of the electoral process.