Court Adjourns Suit to Deregister ADC and Other Parties Amid Appellate Challenges
The Federal High Court in Abuja has heard fresh arguments in a legal battle seeking the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and several other political parties. During Monday’s proceedings in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, defense lawyers urged Justice Peter Lifu to stay proceedings. They argued that the trial court must pause to await a pending decision from the Court of Appeal regarding the matter.
Counsel for the defendants, including senior advocates representing the ADC and Accord Party, maintained that continuing the trial would prejudice issues already submitted to a higher court. Shuaib Enejo Aruwa SAN, representing the ADC, emphasized the efficiency of the superior court, stating that the Court of Appeal was active and “could determine the appeal within a week.” The defense insisted that settled law requires lower courts to yield when an appellate process is active.
The plaintiff, the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, strongly opposed the delay. Their counsel, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba, argued that the appeal is merely interlocutory and does not automatically strip the High Court of its jurisdiction. He noted that there is currently no formal order from a higher court directing Justice Lifu to stop, urging the court to move forward with the substantive suit.
The court also considered applications from individuals seeking to join the suit as defendants to protect their political interests. Among them was Hon. Sani Yakubu Noma, a serving lawmaker, and Abayomi Oluwafemi, an aspiring governor. Their lawyers argued that because these individuals intend to run for office on the platforms of the targeted parties, they would be “adversely affected” if those parties were suddenly dissolved.
The plaintiff’s legal team fought these joinder applications, describing the applicants as unnecessary parties. They contended that no specific reliefs were sought against these individuals and requested the court to dismiss the motions with a ₦50 million cost. Conversely, the applicants cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, asserting their right to defend their political future in a case that directly threatens their chosen platforms.
Justice Peter Lifu has adjourned the case to May 18, 2026, for a ruling on the stay of proceedings and the joinder applications. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already filed its counter-affidavit, while the Attorney General of the Federation remained neutral during the debate. This upcoming ruling will determine whether the push to deregister these political parties will proceed or be suspended indefinitely.
