Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an attempt by former Bayelsa East senator, Clever Marcus Ikisikpo, to join a suit seeking to bar the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from participating in the 2027 general elections.

Ikisikpo, through his lawyer, Kalu Kalu Agu, filed a motion on notice requesting to be joined as a co-plaintiff in the case instituted by a group of former legislators.

The suit is aimed at compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and other political parties over alleged constitutional breaches.

However, counsel to the original plaintiffs, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba (SAN), opposed the application, arguing that Ikisikpo was not a member of their association and that his request to join the suit was both unnecessary and suspicious.

During proceedings, Justice Lifu directed Ikisikpo’s counsel to provide proof of his client’s membership of the plaintiff group. The lawyer was unable to do so.

The judge further held that Ikisikpo’s status as a former legislator did not automatically qualify him for membership of the association.

Following the court’s position, Agu withdrew the application, which was subsequently struck out by the judge.

The suit, filed by the forum of former lawmakers, also seeks the deregistration of other parties, including the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA), over alleged violations of Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution.

The plaintiffs argue that INEC is constitutionally mandated to deregister political parties that fail to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds, such as securing at least 25 per cent of votes in one state during a presidential election or winning seats at any level of government.

They are seeking declaratory orders and injunctions to compel INEC to enforce these provisions and to restrain it from recognising the affected parties pending compliance.

The matter was adjourned to April 17, 2026. (Daily Trust)

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