The Federal High Court in Abuja today 15 June 2026, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, in a ruling that dramatically reshapes the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Justice Peter Odo Lifu delivered the judgment on Monday in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, directing INEC to remove the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) from the register of political parties. The suit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), who argued that the five parties violated Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by failing to win any seat at federal, state, or local government level, or secure at least 25 per cent of votes cast in any state during the 2023 elections and subsequent by-elections. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), aligned with the plaintiffs, arguing that INEC had a constitutional duty to remove parties that no longer meet the minimum performance requirements. The political fallout is immediate. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had been pursuing the 2027 presidency on the ADC platform, now has no registered party. Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, scheduled to seek re-election on 15 August under the Accord Party, has similarly been affected by the ruling. The affected parties are expected to approach the Court of Appeal seeking a stay of execution. Should INEC enforce the order before any appeal is heard, candidates from the five parties face potential disqualification from upcoming contests.