Appeal Court Reverses Deregistration Of ADC, Four Other Parties
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of five political parties – the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, the appellate court declared the lower court's judgment a nullity, ruling that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case and proceeded with its judgment despite an existing Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings.
The court criticised the trial court's action as an act of "judicial impertinence" and "judicial insubordination," noting that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to institute the suit. It also held that evidence before the court showed the affected parties had complied with the constitutional requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution.
The case had been filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which argued that the parties failed to meet constitutional electoral performance thresholds after the 2023 general elections. Although the Attorney-General of the Federation supported the suit, INEC and the affected parties challenged the ruling, leading to the successful appeal.
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC described it as a victory for the rule of law and constitutional democracy. The party said the appellate court also faulted the trial judge for allegedly relying on unsupported findings and reaffirmed that the plaintiffs failed to present credible evidence against the party.
ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, hailed the verdict as "a triumph for democracy and the rule of law," saying it restored confidence in the judiciary and strengthened Nigeria's multiparty system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also welcomed the decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of the supremacy of the rule of law. He urged that political contests should be decided through the ballot box rather than the courts.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is contesting the state's governorship election on the Accord Party platform, said the judgment reaffirmed the party's legal status and urged members to focus on grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also praised the ruling, calling it a major victory for constitutional democracy.
The council said the decision reinforced public confidence in the judiciary and renewed its call on the National Judicial Council to investigate judicial decisions that undermine constitutional governance.
In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, the appellate court declared the lower court's judgment a nullity, ruling that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case and proceeded with its judgment despite an existing Court of Appeal order directing a stay of proceedings.
The court criticised the trial court's action as an act of "judicial impertinence" and "judicial insubordination," noting that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to institute the suit. It also held that evidence before the court showed the affected parties had complied with the constitutional requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution.
The case had been filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which argued that the parties failed to meet constitutional electoral performance thresholds after the 2023 general elections. Although the Attorney-General of the Federation supported the suit, INEC and the affected parties challenged the ruling, leading to the successful appeal.
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC described it as a victory for the rule of law and constitutional democracy. The party said the appellate court also faulted the trial judge for allegedly relying on unsupported findings and reaffirmed that the plaintiffs failed to present credible evidence against the party.
ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, hailed the verdict as "a triumph for democracy and the rule of law," saying it restored confidence in the judiciary and strengthened Nigeria's multiparty system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also welcomed the decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of the supremacy of the rule of law. He urged that political contests should be decided through the ballot box rather than the courts.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is contesting the state's governorship election on the Accord Party platform, said the judgment reaffirmed the party's legal status and urged members to focus on grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also praised the ruling, calling it a major victory for constitutional democracy.
The council said the decision reinforced public confidence in the judiciary and renewed its call on the National Judicial Council to investigate judicial decisions that undermine constitutional governance.
