The Court of Appeal has nullified the judgment of a Federal High Court directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, a decision that has drawn widespread commendation from opposition leaders and political stakeholders.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, describing the action as incompetent because it was filed by a non-juristic body.
The court also faulted the trial judge for failing to properly evaluate evidence presented before the court and for proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order staying proceedings.
Consequently, the appellate court set aside the June 15 judgment, affirmed the continued legal status of the affected political parties, and awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which instituted the suit.
The parties restored by the judgment are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Reacting to the verdict, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, described the ruling as a triumph for democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
He said the decision had renewed confidence in the judiciary and reaffirmed its role as the guardian of democratic values and constitutional rights.
Mark maintained that the judgment protects Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and urged party members nationwide to remain united while intensifying grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also welcomed the ruling, insisting that the 2027 elections should be decided by Nigerians at the ballot box rather than through the courts.
According to Atiku, the judgment, alongside an earlier Federal High Court decision affirming the David Mark-led National Executive Committee of the ADC, has effectively settled all legal disputes surrounding the party’s leadership and eligibility to participate in the 2027 general elections.
In Osun State, Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, described the verdict as a victory for democracy and called on party members to intensify mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also applauded the appellate court’s decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of constitutional democracy.
The council, however, renewed its call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the Federal High Court judge whose ruling was overturned, arguing that judicial accountability is essential to protecting democratic institutions.
Similarly, the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum hailed the judgment, saying it reinforces constitutional governance and strengthens Nigeria’s multiparty democracy by affirming that political parties cannot be arbitrarily deregistered outside the provisions of the law.
Meanwhile, the ADC accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of weakening democratic institutions and eroding the constitutional principle of checks and balances.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the executive, legislature, and judiciary no longer function independently as required under the Constitution.
He also accused the Federal Government of disregarding court orders and carrying out unbudgeted expenditures, warning that such actions pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
