Appeal Court Overturns INEC Deregistration Order

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified a June 15, 2026, judgment by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The appellate court's three-member panel ruled that the trial court lacked jurisdiction as the suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), a non-juristic entity without the legal authority to bring the case.

The panel unanimously declared the trial court's judgment null and void, stating that the evidence showed compliance with Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution. Additionally, the appellate court criticized the trial court for disregarding a stay of proceedings order, labeling it as judicial impertinence.

Justice Abba Mohammed, who delivered the lead judgment, confirmed that all affected political parties remain duly registered and awarded N1 million in costs against the NFFL.