The Federal High Court has fixed May 14, 2026, for the substantive hearing of a suit seeking the deregistration and delisting of the Action Peoples Party (APP) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) register of political parties.
The case, which has attracted political attention in Imo State and beyond, is expected to determine issues surrounding APP’s legal status ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Sources within the party disclosed that the fixing of the hearing date has sparked consultations among some APP stakeholders, especially as political parties gradually move toward the conduct of primary elections for the 2027 polls. Concerns are reportedly centred on the possible implications of the court’s decision on the party’s participation in future electoral activities.
Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and recognised national leader of the APP, has remained one of the prominent figures associated with the party as the legal proceedings continue.
According to reports, the suit before the court is anchored on issues relating to APP’s deregistration in February 2020 and subsequent legal interpretations surrounding the matter, including a Supreme Court judgment delivered in March 2022.
Speaking to journalists at his Abuja office on Friday, civil society advocate and plaintiff in the matter, Mazi Franklin Ngoforo, expressed confidence that the court would deliver justice based on the evidence presented before it.
Ngoforo commended politicians and stakeholders who, according to him, had carefully assessed the situation surrounding the APP legal dispute before taking political decisions.
“I want to commend politicians across Imo State, Igbo land and Nigeria generally who have taken time to understand the issues surrounding this matter,” Ngoforo stated. “The case before the court is about legality, constitutional provisions and due process, and we believe the judiciary will carefully examine all the facts.”
He also noted that some politicians who initially identified with the APP later reconsidered their positions after reviewing developments surrounding the case. Ngoforo further acknowledged the role played by groups such as the Ideato Youth Alliance and the Ngor Okpala Youth Forum in creating public awareness on the matter.
The pro-democracy campaigner reiterated his confidence in the judicial process, insisting that the documentary evidence before the court would guide the outcome of the case.
“I want to assure Nigerians that we have confidence in the judiciary and in the rule of law,” Ngoforo said. “The documents before the court include INEC’s February 6, 2020 deregistration notice and the Supreme Court judgment delivered in March 2022. We believe the court will carefully evaluate all submissions and deliver justice accordingly.”
Ngoforo also called on INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to continue acting in line with constitutional provisions and the decisions of competent courts regarding political parties and electoral matters.
