The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (AP), and three other political parties.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, the appellate court ruled that the lower court lacked jurisdiction and that the original suit was incompetent, declaring the trial court’s order a complete nullity.
Key Takeaways from the Appellate Judgment
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Lack of Jurisdiction & Non-Juristic Plaintiff: The court held that the suit—originally brought by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL)—was filed by an entity without the legal standing to institute such an action.
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Disregard for Judicial Hierarchy: The appellate panel berated Federal High Court judge Justice Peter Lifu, describing his decision to deliver judgment despite an existing May 22 order staying proceedings as “judicial impertinence” and a violation of established judicial hierarchy.
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Ignored Election Evidence: The court noted that the lower court failed to evaluate evidence showing that the affected parties had previously won elective seats, satisfying constitutional thresholds.
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Full Restoration of Five Opposition Parties: Alongside the ADC and Accord Party, the judgment fully restores the registration status of the Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ APPEAL COURT RULING SUMMARY │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Hearing Court : Court of Appeal, Abuja Division │
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│ • Lead Justice : Justice Abba Mohammed │
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│ • Restored Parties : ADC, Accord Party, AA, APP, and ZLP │
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│ • Core Holding : Trial court's deregistration order was a nullity; │
│ INEC directed to recognize all 5 parties fully. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Sources: Court of Appeal Abuja Division & INEC Legal Directorate)
Legal Outcome and Impact on 2027
The appellate court’s verdict completely clears the legal hurdles for the five opposition parties, enabling them to participate without restriction in upcoming off-cycle polls and the 2027 general elections.
The court also awarded monetary costs against the NFFL for filing an incompetent suit.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
