Appeal Court Reserves Judgment on ADC Deregistration Case

The Appeal Court in Abuja has reserved judgment regarding the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, following an appeal against a Federal High Court ruling delivered by Justice Peter Odu lifu. The Federal High Court had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and others on the grounds that they failed to meet constitutional requirements necessary for retaining their registration.

The court's decision was challenged by the ADC and other parties, including Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). A three-member panel led by Justice Abba Bello Mohammed heard the arguments and noted that the Federal High Court had previously ignored its order to proceed with the matter.

The National Forum for Former Legislators (NFFL) had filed the suit against the parties, arguing that they did not meet the electoral performance threshold as required by the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, defended the suit, asserting that allowing the parties to remain registered would violate constitutional provisions.