The legal battle over the possible deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties is set to resume on Friday, April 24, 2026, in what observers see as a critical phase of the proceedings.
The case, which has drawn significant political interest, was last heard on March 24. During that sitting, the court addressed all pending applications except a motion seeking an amendment filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL).
Although a ruling on that application had initially been scheduled for April 17, the session did not hold due to the absence of the presiding judge. The court subsequently fixed April 24 for continuation of the matter.
Attention is now firmly on the anticipated decision regarding the amendment request, as it is expected to determine the next direction of the suit—whether it proceeds to a full hearing or takes a different course.
Earlier, the court had ordered an accelerated hearing of the case, citing the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of political party primaries for upcoming elections.
At the heart of the dispute is a demand by the NFFL urging INEC to invoke Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution. The provision empowers the electoral body to deregister political parties that fail to meet stipulated constitutional and electoral requirements.
Meanwhile, one of the parties involved—the ADC—is contending with internal leadership disputes, with multiple court cases surrounding its structure. The situation has already prompted INEC to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership, further complicating its standing in the ongoing suit.
The case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, is expected to resume amid heightened scrutiny, as stakeholders await a ruling that could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.