A concerned Nigerian, Patrick Ukura, has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before a Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging what he described as the “misleading” names of two political parties – the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and African Action Alliance (AAC).
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The plaintiff, through his counsel, instituted the suit before Justice James Omotosho, seeking a change of name of the two political parties or their de-registration by INEC on the grounds that their use of the word “African” is inappropriate for parties that operate only within Nigeria.
In the originating summons, Ukura raised two fundamental issues and questions for determination by the court:
“Whether the name ADC and AAC are misleading in the ordinary meaning of the word.
“Whether the defendant (INEC) has power to direct the affected parties – ADC and AAC – to apply for change of name or de-register same for being misleading in line with the Electoral Act 2022.”
The plaintiff argued that the word “African” is defined to mean relating to Africa or the African people in general, which he submitted is misleading as the political parties under reference are Nigerian political parties registered to operate only within the confines of the territories of Nigeria.
“We, therefore urge the Court to hold that the ‘African’ included in the two political parties ADC and AAC are misleading and must be removed,” the plaintiff stated in his court filing.
Upon determination of the above questions against INEC, the plaintiff asked for several declarations and orders:
1. Declaration of INEC’s Power: A declaration that INEC is empowered by law to de-register any political party or direct any political party to apply for change of name when same is found inappropriate by it.
2. Declaration on Inappropriateness: A declaration that the names of ADC and AAC are inappropriate in Nigerian context to be registered as political parties as such connotes a continental coverage.
3. Order for Name Change: An order of the court compelling INEC to forthwith direct ADC and AAC to commence change of name process within 30 days of such directive.
4. Order for De-registration: An order directing INEC to de-register ADC and AAC in the event that they fail to commence a change of name as may be directed by the respondent.
5. Perpetual Injunction: An order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC from further registration of such misleading names in the future.
6. Cost of Suit: An order directing INEC to pay the applicant the sum of N10 million as cost of the suit.
7. Any Other Orders: Any other order or orders the court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of the case.
The plaintiff’s case appears to be based on the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which grants INEC regulatory powers over political parties, including their registration and operations.
By arguing that party names should accurately reflect their scope of operations, Ukura is essentially contending that parties operating solely within Nigeria should not use terminology that suggests pan-African or continental coverage.
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, it could have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. Both the ADC and AAC would be required to rebrand completely, potentially affecting their political identity, recognition, and goodwill built over years of operation.
The ADC, which was adopted by a major opposition coalition in July 2025 as their political platform ahead of the 2027 elections, would be particularly affected. The coalition includes prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-ministers Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark.
A forced name change or de-registration at this critical juncture could significantly disrupt the opposition’s plans for the 2027 general elections.
The case raises interesting legal questions about the extent of INEC’s regulatory powers and whether the commission can be compelled to act against political parties based on perceived inadequacies in their names.
It also raises the question of whether the use of “African” in a party name constitutes false representation or misleading advertising, given that the parties operate within a single African nation rather than across the continent.
The matter has been slated for mention on February 17, 2026, when the court is expected to hear preliminary arguments and determine the next steps in the case.
As of the time of this report, neither INEC, the ADC, nor the AAC had issued any public response to the suit.
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how political party names are regulated in Nigeria and whether geographic or continental terminology can be challenged on grounds of being misleading.
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