A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday struck out a joinder application filed by Senator Clever Ikisikpo of the African Democratic Congress in an ongoing suit challenging the continued registration of certain political parties, including ADC and the Accord Party.
The suit, instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), seeks judicial interpretation of constitutional provisions on political party registration and deregistration. The defendants include the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The joinder application was withdrawn during proceedings after counsel to the plaintiffs drew the court’s attention to the fact that Ikisikpo is not a member of the NFFL, thereby lacking the requisite standing to be joined in the matter. The court subsequently struck out the application.
Proceedings were presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, who also handled several interlocutory applications filed by the parties. The court granted an application by Accord Party to file a further counter-affidavit, allowing it additional time to respond to the claims in the suit.
The court also heard an application by the plaintiffs, represented by Yakubu Ruba (SAN), seeking leave to amend their originating summons to reflect additional parties and issues. However, ruling on the application was deferred.
Counsel to the ADC, Sani E. Aruwa, opposed the amendment, arguing that some parties were improperly joined without adherence to due process and that the filings contained procedural irregularities. He urged the court to dismiss the application as incompetent.
At several points during the hearing, the judge emphasized strict compliance with procedural rules and maintained order in the courtroom, cautioning against inconsistent positions by counsel.
The matter was adjourned to April 17, 2026, for rulings on the pending applications and for further proceedings.
After the session, representatives of the plaintiffs expressed satisfaction with the pace of proceedings, noting that the case—centered on Section 225A of the Fourth Alteration Act (2017) of the Nigerian Constitution—aims to clarify legal provisions guiding political party registration and enforcement by INEC.
Joinder Bid Dismissed, ADC-Accord Deregistration Case Adjourned
