The decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja setting aside the Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has been welcomed by opposition leaders and party stakeholders.
The appellate court nullified the June 15 judgment of the Federal High Court, which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the five parties.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Abba Mohammed held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction because the suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which the Court of Appeal ruled was not a juristic person capable of instituting legal action.
The court also found that there was no competent suit before the Federal High Court to justify the order directing INEC to deregister the parties.
It further held that the trial court failed to properly evaluate evidence showing that the affected parties had won elective offices in previous elections.
The appellate court also criticised Justice Peter Lifu for continuing with the case despite an earlier order directing him to stay proceedings pending the determination of an interlocutory appeal.
The court described the action as judicial impertinence and restored the legal status of all five political parties, while awarding costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators.
The Federal High Court had earlier ruled that the parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements for continued registration and barred INEC from recognising them or accepting candidates sponsored by them in future elections.
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC described the ruling as a major affirmation of the rule of law and constitutional democracy.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the findings of the Court of Appeal raised serious questions about judicial accountability and the integrity of the justice system.
The party also welcomed the court’s conclusion that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the suit and that INEC’s evidence showed the ADC met the constitutional requirements for continued registration.
The Atiku Media Office described the judgment as a landmark victory that had removed every legal obstacle to the ADC’s participation in the 2027 general elections.
It said that, together with an earlier Federal High Court judgment affirming the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee, all legal disputes concerning the party’s status and leadership had now been resolved.
The statement congratulated the justices of the Court of Appeal for what it called their courage, fidelity to the Constitution and commitment to justice.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also warned against using the courts to undermine political competition, saying elections should be decided by voters and not through contrived lawsuits.
ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark described the ruling as a victory for democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former Senate President said the judgment restored confidence in the judiciary and reaffirmed the courts’ role as guardians of democratic values.
He urged party members and supporters to use the momentum from the legal victory to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
In Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is contesting the August 15 governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party, celebrated the ruling and described it as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement posted on his X account, Adeleke said the judgment confirmed that Accord remained legally recognised and fully prepared for the election.
He thanked supporters for remaining steadfast despite what he described as attempts to create confusion and fear around the party.
The 2027 presidential candidate of the Action Alliance, Adekunle Omoaje, also welcomed the verdict, calling it a victory for constitutional democracy and the rights of political parties to participate in Nigeria’s political process.
According to him, the ruling protects the voices of millions of Nigerians who identify with smaller political parties and strengthens the country’s multiparty system.
Counsel for the Action Peoples Party, Peter Abang, described the judgment as a victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the need to respect the hierarchy of courts.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) praised the Court of Appeal for what it called a courageous reaffirmation of constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
IPAC also renewed its call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate judicial officers whose judgments are inconsistent with constitutional provisions.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, the council said the ruling restored confidence in the judiciary and reinforced the constitutional rights of political participation and freedom of association.
According to IPAC, the judgment demonstrates the important role of appellate courts in correcting judicial errors and safeguarding democratic institutions.
