Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to March 24 to rule in a suit seeking the deregistration of four political parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements.
The suit, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and four political parties, including African Democratic Congress, ADC, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, ZLP and Action Alliance, AA.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to compel INEC to deregister the parties for allegedly failing to satisfy constitutional thresholds for continued recognition.
During proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu, drama unfolded as two different lawyers appeared in court claiming to represent the Action Alliance.
The lawyers, Ibrahim Yakubu and Bello Lukman, informed the court they had separate letters of instruction.
Justice Lifu directed them to reconcile their positions, warning that the court would take necessary steps if they failed to put their house in order.
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Meanwhile, counsel to the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, sought leave of court to file a further counter-affidavit, arguing that it was necessary to address key issues omitted in the earlier response.
The application was strongly opposed by counsel to the plaintiff, Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba, SAN, who argued that no new facts were introduced to justify the additional filing.
Other respondents also sought extension of time to regularise their processes and challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
Justice Lifu granted the request for extension of time and deemed the plaintiff’s reply on points of law properly filed.
The court then adjourned for ruling on the joinder application and other pending motions.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
