Former lawmakers under the aegis of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) have explained why they approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the deregistration of three political parties over alleged constitutional violations.

The suit, filed against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is asking the court to enforce Section 225A of the Fourth Alteration Act (2017) of the Constitution.

The parties specifically mentioned include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and Action Alliance (AA).

Addressing journalists after proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, said the action was instituted in the public interest to ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions governing political parties.

According to him, Section 225A empowers INEC to deregister political parties that fail to meet stipulated constitutional benchmarks, including electoral performance thresholds.

“NFFL is a public interest group and therefore filed this suit to ensure that constitutional provisions are not applied selectively,” Igbokwe said. “Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy anchored on the rule of law, and every institution, including INEC, must act in accordance with the Constitution.”

He recalled that INEC previously deregistered 74 political parties ahead of the 2023 general elections under the same constitutional provision, questioning why similar action had not been taken against the parties named in the suit.

“INEC cannot choose and pick which political party to apply the Constitution on,” he added.

Earlier during the hearing, counsel to the ADC sought an extension of time to file counter-affidavits and also challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.

Justice Lifu adjourned the case to March 24, 2026, for rulings on the pending applications and preliminary objections.

The court’s decision is expected to determine whether the suit will proceed to full trial.