Appeal Court Nullifies Deregistration Order, Restores ADC and Four Other Political Parties
Appeal Court Nullifies Deregistration Order, Restores ADC and Four Other Political Parties
Court of Appeal nullifies the Federal High Court order directing INEC to deregister ADC, APP, AA, Accord and ZLP ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the Federal High Court judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
The landmark ruling has brought relief to the affected parties and could have important implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court held that the Federal High Court wrongly assumed jurisdiction and made its decision on the basis of an incompetent suit.
The Court of Appeal consequently nullified the order directing INEC to withdraw recognition from the five political parties.
The parties affected are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Appeal Court Restores ADC, APP, AA, Accord and ZLP
The Court of Appeal’s judgment represents a major legal victory for the five political parties, which had faced the possibility of losing their recognition ahead of the 2027 elections.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Abba Mohammed, the appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked the proper jurisdiction to entertain the matter in the manner it did.
The court further ruled that there was no valid suit capable of supporting the consequential order directing INEC to deregister the parties.
According to the appellate court, the case was filed by a non-juristic entity, making the underlying proceedings incompetent.
The decision therefore removes the immediate legal effect of the Federal High Court judgment and restores the parties’ position as recognised political parties.
The ruling is particularly significant for ADC, which has attracted considerable political attention as Nigeria’s opposition landscape continues to evolve ahead of the next general elections.
Why Did the Federal High Court Order INEC to Deregister the Parties?
The legal dispute originated from a case brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL).
The plaintiffs had asked the court to determine whether INEC had a constitutional responsibility to deregister political parties that failed to satisfy prescribed electoral performance requirements.
The argument centred on provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, including Section 225A, as well as relevant electoral laws and regulations.
The plaintiffs maintained that the affected political parties had failed to meet the required electoral benchmarks during previous elections.
They argued that allowing parties that did not satisfy those requirements to remain registered would undermine the credibility and effectiveness of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The Federal High Court accepted the argument and on June 15 ordered INEC to deregister ADC, APP, AA, Accord and ZLP.
The order went beyond deregistration.
The lower court also directed INEC not to continue recognising the parties, accept nominations from them or give effect to their activities for the purpose of participating in the 2027 general elections.
The affected parties subsequently challenged the judgment at the Court of Appeal.
Court of Appeal Says Lower Court Lacked Jurisdiction
One of the most important aspects of the appellate court’s judgment was its finding concerning jurisdiction.
The Court of Appeal held that the Federal High Court wrongly assumed jurisdiction in a matter founded on an incompetent suit.
The appellate court said there was no valid suit before the lower court that could have justified the consequential order against the political parties.
This finding was crucial because jurisdiction is fundamental to judicial proceedings.
Where a court lacks jurisdiction, its decision in the matter can be rendered invalid.
The Court of Appeal therefore held that the Federal High Court should have dismissed the substantive case rather than proceeding to issue an order that could affect the legal existence and electoral participation of the five parties.
Court Faults Evaluation of Evidence
The appellate court also found shortcomings in the way evidence was evaluated by the trial court.
According to the judgment, the Federal High Court failed to properly consider evidence presented before it, including evidence relating to electoral victories recorded by the affected political parties.
This point became important because the original case was based largely on arguments concerning the parties’ electoral performance.
The Court of Appeal’s decision indicates that such questions must be considered carefully and against the full body of evidence presented by the parties.
The appellate panel therefore concluded that the lower court’s findings could not stand.
Appeal Court Criticises Federal High Court Proceedings
The Court of Appeal also raised concerns about the Federal High Court’s decision to continue proceedings despite an earlier directive to stay the matter.
The appellate court had previously ordered a stay of execution of the deregistration judgment.
Earlier in the proceedings, it had also directed the trial court to stay proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal.
According to reports of the judgment, the trial judge was made aware of the appellate court’s order but proceeded with the case.
The Court of Appeal strongly criticised that action and emphasised the importance of judicial hierarchy.
The issue was significant because lower courts are expected to respect binding orders issued by higher courts.
The appellate panel described the conduct in particularly strong terms, referring to it as a form of “judicial impertinence” and citing Supreme Court authority on the consequences of disregarding orders of superior courts.
What the Judgment Means for the 2027 Elections
The Court of Appeal ruling comes at a crucial moment for Nigerian politics.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, political parties are already making preparations, strengthening their structures and considering possible alliances.
The Federal High Court’s earlier order had created uncertainty over whether ADC and the four other parties would be able to participate in the next general elections.
The appellate court’s decision removes that immediate obstacle.
The five parties can now continue their political activities subject to Nigeria’s constitutional, electoral and regulatory requirements.
For ADC in particular, the ruling could have wider political significance because the party has been at the centre of discussions about opposition politics and possible political realignment.
The decision could therefore influence conversations about alliances, candidates and political strategy ahead of 2027.
The Five Political Parties Affected
The Court of Appeal ruling covers five political parties:
1. African Democratic Congress (ADC)
ADC is the most prominent party among those affected by the litigation and has attracted considerable attention in Nigeria’s evolving opposition politics.
The appellate ruling provides the party with important legal relief following the Federal High Court’s earlier deregistration order.
2. Action Peoples Party (APP)
The Action Peoples Party was also included in the Federal High Court’s deregistration order.
The Court of Appeal’s decision restores the party’s position following the nullification of the lower court judgment.
3. Action Alliance (AA)
Action Alliance is another party that successfully challenged the Federal High Court decision.
Its inclusion in the appellate judgment means the earlier deregistration order no longer stands.
4. Accord Party (AP)
Accord Party also appealed the Federal High Court judgment.
The Court of Appeal’s decision provides the party with renewed legal certainty as Nigeria moves towards the next election cycle.
5. Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
The Zenith Labour Party was the fifth political organisation affected by the Federal High Court order.
Like the other four parties, its legal status has been restored following the Court of Appeal judgment.
Why the Case Matters Beyond ADC
Although ADC has received much of the political attention surrounding the case, the ruling is broader than one political party.
It raises important questions about the relationship between INEC, political parties and the courts.
Nigeria’s electoral system operates within a legal framework that gives political parties specific responsibilities while also imposing requirements on their activities and electoral performance.
The controversy demonstrates how disputes over those requirements can quickly become matters of national political significance.
The Court of Appeal judgment also reinforces the importance of due process.
Political parties may be subject to constitutional and electoral requirements, but enforcement must still follow the correct legal procedure.
That principle is particularly important when a judicial decision could affect the ability of millions of voters to choose among competing political platforms.
What Was the Argument for Deregistration?
The former legislators who brought the case argued that political parties should meet constitutional electoral thresholds to retain their registration.
Their position was that parties failing to meet the required benchmarks should not continue to enjoy official recognition.
The argument raised a broader question about the number and effectiveness of political parties in Nigeria.
Supporters of strict enforcement of electoral requirements say it can encourage parties to build stronger structures and demonstrate meaningful participation in elections.
On the other hand, political parties facing deregistration can argue that constitutional rights and electoral participation must be protected through proper procedures and fair consideration of evidence.
The Court of Appeal’s decision has now shifted the immediate legal outcome in favour of ADC and the four other parties.
INEC’s Position and Responsibilities
INEC remains a central institution in the dispute because the commission is responsible for administering elections and regulating registered political parties within the scope of the law.
The Federal High Court had ordered INEC to deregister the five parties.
The Court of Appeal has now nullified that directive.
This means the commission is no longer operating under the earlier deregistration order.
The judgment also highlights the importance of clear judicial orders in electoral matters, particularly when election preparations are already underway.
For political parties, clarity regarding their legal status is essential for planning, organising supporters and preparing candidates.
For voters, it is equally important because the legal recognition of a political party determines whether it can participate in the electoral process under applicable rules.
A Major Development Ahead of 2027
The timing of the judgment makes it especially significant.
Nigeria’s political environment is already entering an increasingly active phase ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political parties are expected to intensify consultations, grassroots mobilisation and internal preparations in the coming months.
The Court of Appeal’s decision means ADC, APP, AA, Accord and ZLP can focus on those activities without the immediate threat posed by the Federal High Court deregistration order.
However, the parties will still be required to comply with all applicable constitutional and electoral provisions.
The judgment should therefore be understood as a reversal of the specific Federal High Court deregistration decision rather than a blanket exemption from future regulatory requirements.
What Happens Next?
The Court of Appeal’s judgment has settled the immediate appeal against the Federal High Court order.
The five affected parties remain subject to the wider legal framework governing Nigerian political parties.
INEC will also continue to exercise its responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution, electoral laws and applicable regulations.
The broader debate over party performance, registration and deregistration is unlikely to disappear.
The case has shown that questions surrounding political-party recognition can have major consequences for Nigeria’s democratic process, especially when they arise close to a general election.
The Court of Appeal has nullified the Federal High Court order directing INEC to deregister ADC and four other political parties, delivering a significant legal victory to the affected parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The appellate court held that the lower court wrongly assumed jurisdiction and relied on an incompetent suit. It also faulted the evaluation of evidence and criticised the decision to proceed despite an earlier order to stay proceedings.
As a result, the deregistration order against ADC, APP, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party has been set aside.
The ruling could have consequences beyond the courtroom as political parties prepare for a highly competitive 2027 election cycle.
For ADC, the decision removes a major legal uncertainty at a time when the party is attracting increased attention in Nigeria’s political space.
For the other four parties, it provides similar relief and allows them to continue their political activities under the existing legal framework.
The judgment also sends an important message about jurisdiction, judicial hierarchy and due process in electoral disputes.
As Nigeria moves closer to 2027, the political and legal developments surrounding the country’s parties will remain important issues for voters and political observers.
>>>> What do you think about the Court of Appeal’s decision to restore ADC and the four other political parties? Do you believe the ruling will influence Nigeria’s 2027 political landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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