Appeal Court Overturns Deregistration of Political Parties

The Appeal Court has nullified a judgment from the Federal High Court that mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had issued the deregistration order based on the parties' performance in the 2023 general elections.

However, the appellate court, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, unanimously declared the trial court's judgment "null and void," stating that it lacked the judicial power to hear the case. The appellate court noted that the trial court proceeded with the judgment despite an existing stay of proceedings and that the 1st Respondent had no standing to initiate the action.

The court emphasized compliance with Section 225A of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) and deemed the trial judge's ruling as perverse. Barr.

Peter Abang, counsel for APP, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, calling it a victory for democracy.