Court of Appeal Upholds Registration of ADC and Others

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties: Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). This unanimous decision, delivered by Justice Abba Mohammed, stated that the Federal High Court's June 15 judgment was a nullity due to its lack of jurisdiction over the case, which was filed by a non-juristic entity, the National Forum of Former Legislators.

The appellate court found that the trial court failed to evaluate evidence properly and acted against a prior order to stay proceedings. The ruling confirms that the affected parties remain legally recognized and eligible for future elections, including the 2027 general elections.

The court also awarded costs against the plaintiffs, who argued that the parties had not met electoral performance thresholds as required by the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.