A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused a request by former senator, Clever Marcus Ikisikpo, to be joined in a lawsuit seeking to stop the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from taking part in the 2027 general elections.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Peter Lifu held that the application could not stand, as the former lawmaker failed to prove he had the right to be part of the case filed by a group of ex-legislators.
Ikisikpo, through his lawyer, had asked the court to include him as a co-plaintiff in the suit, which is also pushing for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and other political parties over alleged breaches of constitutional requirements.
But the legal team representing the original plaintiffs opposed the move, insisting that Ikisikpo was not a member of their group and had no basis to join the suit.
At the hearing, the court asked his counsel to present proof of his membership in the association behind the case, but none was provided.
Justice Lifu ruled that simply being a former lawmaker does not automatically make someone part of the group. Following that, Ikisikpo’s lawyer withdrew the application, and the court struck it out.
Meanwhile, the main suit – filed by the forum of former lawmakers – also targets other parties, including the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Alliance.
The plaintiffs argue that INEC has the constitutional authority to deregister parties that fail to meet certain performance thresholds, such as winning seats or securing a minimum share of votes during elections.
They are asking the court to compel the electoral body to enforce these rules and to stop recognising the affected parties until they comply.
The matter has been adjourned to April 17, 2026, for further hearing.
