Court gavel
Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed an attempt by Senator Clever Ikisikpo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to be joined in an ongoing suit challenging the registration status of several political parties.
The case, instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), questions whether some political parties—including the ADC and Accord Party—have complied with constitutional provisions required to retain their registration.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation are listed as defendants.
Senator Ikisikpo’s application to join the suit was struck out after he withdrew it. The court noted that he is not a registered member of the NFFL, and therefore lacks the legal standing required to participate in the matter.
During proceedings, counsel to the ADC, Sani E. Aruwa (SAN), opposed the plaintiff’s bid to amend its originating summons to include additional parties. He argued that the process was flawed and violated established legal procedures.
“I cannot come before this court and suddenly change my name without leave. That is exactly what has been done here,” Aruwa said.
“The application is wholly unconstitutional and incompetent and ought to be dismissed.”
He further maintained that merely removing some reliefs from the application did not resolve its fundamental defects.
Presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, repeatedly stepped in to maintain order and ensure adherence to court procedures. At one point, he rebuked a counsel over procedural lapses, stating:
“I don’t know you, I’ve not seen you,”
The remark underscored the court’s concern over irregular appearances and filings. Following the exchanges, the joinder application was formally withdrawn, with the court indicating that proper procedures must be followed if such a request is to be revisited.
The court also granted the Accord Party permission to file an additional counter-affidavit. It further entertained arguments on the plaintiff’s request to amend its suit, but deferred rulings on all pending applications until April 17, 2026. Justice Lifu noted that decisions on these preliminary matters could significantly shape the direction of the case.
Reacting after the session, Chairman of the NFFL Board of Trustees, Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, said the court’s handling of preliminary objections had helped streamline the process.
“Our records show that someone tried to claim membership in the NFFL improperly, and that application seemed designed to slow down proceedings,” he said.
“The matter has now been adjourned to April for rulings, and our goal remains to expand the jurisprudence around electoral law, particularly Section 225A of the Constitution.”
Another member of the group, Hon. Uzor Azubike, commended the pace of proceedings, noting that a timely resolution would allow affected parties to make necessary political adjustments ahead of future elections.
Tuesday’s hearing focused largely on procedural and jurisdictional issues, with substantive arguments on constitutional compliance expected at the next sitting.
At the heart of the suit is a request for judicial interpretation of Section 225A of the Fourth Alteration Act No. 9 (2017), with the plaintiffs urging INEC to enforce the provision in line with its intended purpose.
