The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed a unanimous Court of Appeal ruling that overturned a Federal High Court order for its deregistration. The appellate court concluded that the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, had created false evidence to support the plaintiffs in the case. This decision secures the party’s legal status as a recognized political entity under Nigerian law.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, stated that the judgment validates the party’s long-standing argument that the lawsuit lacked a factual basis. The appellate court ruled that the plaintiffs possessed no legal standing, as their arguments were based on conjecture rather than specific legal interests. Furthermore, the court found that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had provided sufficient evidence confirming the ADC met all necessary constitutional criteria.
The party expressed severe concern regarding Justice Lifu’s conduct. Abdullahi noted that this is the second time the judge has faced strong criticism from a superior court for judicial insubordination. The appellate court also dismissed the lower court’s claim that ADC lawmakers had defected, noting there was zero evidence to support such a conclusion. The ruling serves as a broader affirmation that judicial power must remain bound by the law and verified evidence.
