A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday rejected applications by some political parties and interested politicians seeking to be joined in a suit that aims to deregister Accord Party (AP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and three other parties over alleged constitutional breaches.
Court Dismisses Joinder Applications
Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the joinder applications filed by Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Oluwafemi Abayomi Adebambi (Accord Party governorship candidate for Ekiti State), and Hon. Sani Yakubu Noma of the ADC. The judge held that their political parties were already defendants in the suit, making individual joinder unnecessary.
Stay of Proceedings Denied
Justice Lifu also refused an application seeking a stay of proceedings, ruling that the matter has reached an advanced stage. Halting the case would create hardship for other litigants, especially as political parties must submit candidate names ahead of forthcoming elections. He stated, “It is my considered view not to grant the stay except otherwise decided by the upper court.” He added that the issues raised by the applicants lacked merit and were dismissed.
Judgment Reserved for June 5
The court subsequently reserved judgment in the substantive suit for June 5. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several political parties, including ADC, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
Plaintiff's Arguments
During proceedings, counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba (SAN), argued that the affected political parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral spread and performance. He relied on Supreme Court authorities, contending that parties must secure at least 25% of votes in prescribed elections to remain relevant under the law. He urged the court to order deregistration, insisting that none of the defendants effectively countered the argument.
AGF and Defence Positions
Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation, A. Abdulrahman told the court that the AGF has constitutional powers to support actions ensuring compliance with the Constitution. He urged the court to determine whether the parties listed as 3rd to 7th defendants breached constitutional provisions. Counsel for the affected parties, however, urged the court to dismiss the suit with substantial costs. Counsel for the APP, Peter Abang, sought dismissal on grounds that the issues had already been argued before the Court of Appeal. Justice Lifu stated that the court would consider the appellate court's decision alongside all issues canvassed before delivering judgment.
Previous Proceedings
At the previous sitting, defence counsel led by Musibau Adetunbi (SAN) for Accord Party and Shuaib Enejo Aruwa (SAN) for ADC had urged the court to suspend proceedings pending determination of interlocutory appeals. They argued that continuing could prejudice matters before the appellate court. However, the plaintiff opposed, noting that neither the Court of Appeal nor the Supreme Court had restrained the Federal High Court from proceeding. Counsel to INEC, Haliru Mohammed, informed the court that the commission had filed a counter-affidavit.
Reaction from Plaintiff
Reacting after proceedings, Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, Chairman Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, maintained that the suit is not targeted at any political party but aimed at expounding electoral jurisprudence and promoting a credible political system.
