The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified a Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a unanimous decision, the appellate court ruled that the June 15 order by Justice Peter Lifu was invalid, describing his actions as a breach of judicial hierarchy. The court held that the trial judge proceeded with the case despite an earlier directive on May 22 to suspend proceedings pending appeal.
The affected parties are the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The appellate court found that the lower court lacked jurisdiction, noting that the suit was filed by a non-juristic entity and was therefore incompetent. It also held that there was no valid basis for ordering INEC to deregister the parties.
Justice Abba Mohammed, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that all five parties remain duly registered. The court also awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which initiated the case.
The appellate court further criticized the trial judge for ignoring evidence that the parties had won seats in previous elections and for proceeding in defiance of a stay order. It described the conduct as judicial impropriety.
The Federal High Court had earlier ruled that the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, which sets performance benchmarks for political parties. It ordered INEC to withdraw recognition and bar the parties from participating in the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC described the ruling as a correction of a “grave miscarriage of justice.” Its National Chairman, David Mark, said the attempt to deregister the party was an attack on multiparty democracy.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that elections should be decided by voters, not the courts.
In Osun State, officials aligned with Governor Ademola Adeleke said the judgment clears the way for his re-election bid under the Accord Party.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on the National Judicial Council to investigate the High Court ruling, citing concerns about judicial conduct.
The appellate court’s decision effectively restores the legal status of the affected parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
