By Amah
kindly share:
The political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections has witnessed a major legal twist as the Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the judgment of the Federal High Court that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, the appellate court declared that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit that resulted in the deregistration order. The court held that the case was fundamentally defective because it was instituted by a non-juristic entity, making the entire proceedings invalid.
The judgment restores the legal status of the affected political parties ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party, confirming that they remain duly registered and eligible to participate in future elections, including the crucial 2027 polls.
The controversy began after Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the five parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration. The court had directed INEC to deregister them and barred the electoral body from recognising candidates sponsored by the parties or giving effect to their activities.
The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, argued that the parties had failed to meet the performance benchmarks contained in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and relevant INEC regulations. The plaintiffs claimed that the parties did not secure the required electoral support during the 2023 general election and subsequent by-elections.
However, the Court of Appeal disagreed, ruling that the trial court failed to properly evaluate evidence, showing that some of the affected parties had won elective positions in previous elections. It also faulted the lower court for proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order, directing it to suspend proceedings pending the determination of an interlocutory appeal.
The appellate court criticised the decision to continue with the case after being made aware of the stay order, describing the action as a serious judicial misconduct.
Following the ruling, the separate appeals filed by the political parties were allowed, the Federal High Court judgment was set aside, and costs were awarded against the National Forum of Former Legislators.
The development comes at a significant moment as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections. For ADC, which has been positioning itself as an alternative platform in several states, including Imo State’s Okigwe Zone, the judgment removes a major legal uncertainty and allows it to continue its political activities.
With Nigeria’s multiparty democracy often shaped by court battles, the ruling reinforces the importance of due process, constitutional interpretation and the role of the judiciary in protecting political participation. As the nation moves closer to 2027, the survival of these parties could reshape the choices available to voters seeking alternatives beyond the traditional political establishment.
