A major legal battle involving several Nigerian political parties is heading for a decisive moment as the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 5 to deliver judgment on a suit seeking the deregistration of parties including the ADC and Accord Party.

According to cbinews.tv, the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 5 to deliver judgment in a high-profile suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party.

Justice Peter Lifu fixed the date on Wednesday after dismissing applications for stay of proceedings and requests by some politicians to join the suit. Those affected include Ademola Adeleke and Oluwafemi Abayomi Arabambi of the Accord Party, as well as Sani Yakubu Noma of the ADC.

The judge ruled that stopping proceedings at this stage could create hardship for parties preparing for upcoming elections, especially with deadlines for submission of candidates drawing closer. He also pointed out that the Supreme Court had repeatedly warned against unnecessary delays through stay of proceedings.

Justice Lifu added that since some applicants had already approached the Court of Appeal, the trial court should still be allowed to conclude hearing the matter unless directed otherwise by the appellate court.

On the issue of joinder, the court said most of the political parties involved were already defendants in the case, making it unnecessary for individual members to be added separately.

The suit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against INEC and several political parties. The plaintiffs argue that the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral spread and performance.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba SAN, argued that political parties must secure at least 25 per cent of votes in certain elections to remain relevant under the law, insisting the affected parties failed to meet the constitutional threshold.

Meanwhile, lawyers representing the parties urged the court to dismiss the suit, while the Attorney-General of the Federation maintained that the government had the constitutional duty to support actions ensuring compliance with the law.

Justice Lifu is expected to deliver the final judgment on June 5.

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