Nigeria's Justice Orders Removal of Several Opposition Parties

A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other smaller parties for failing to meet electoral thresholds in the previous elections.

The ruling, made on June 15, 2026, has sparked concerns that it may lead to a wave of disqualifications for the 2027 general elections and upcoming governorship elections.

The petition filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators argued that some parties no longer meet the constitutional requirements to remain registered.

The plaintiffs sought an order compelling the Inec to immediately deregister the affected parties and bar them from participating in future elections.

The ruling affects notable candidates such as Atiku Abubakar, who was recently nominated as the ADC's presidential candidate. On Monday, the party named former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi as its running mate.

Atiku Abubakar was the PDP's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, finishing second with 29% of the vote behind Bola Tinubu, the current president who won with 36.6% of the vote.

The ruling also affects Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun state, who will be running for a second term under the Accord party.

The affected opposition parties and the Inec have rejected the ruling. The ADC and Accord accuse the ruling party of manipulating the electoral process and seeking to make Nigeria a one-party state.

Nigeria goes to the polls on January 16, 2027, with Bola Tinubu seeking a second term.