Nigeria, May 11 -- Political parties on Monday asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to suspend proceedings in suit seeking their deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

They urged the court to stay proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal on the same subject matter before the Court of Appeal.

Judge Peter Lifu fixed 18 May for ruling after hearing arguments on applications for stay of proceedings and joinder.

The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators against INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation and some targeted opposition political parties.

The parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Accord, the Action Alliance, the Action Peoples Party (APP), and the Zen...