The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reversed a lower court ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strip the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political organizations of their registration. The appellate panel characterized the initial judgment by Justice Peter Lifu as an act of judicial misconduct.
Alongside the ADC, the affected groups include the Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party. The appellate justices determined that the June 15 Federal High Court order was void, noting that Justice Lifu lacked proper jurisdiction and had proceeded with a case brought by an entity without standing. Crucially, the trial judge had ignored a previous appellate directive to stay proceedings while the parties appealed.
ADC leadership, including Senator David Mark, celebrated the outcome as a defense of multi-party democracy. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emphasized that political contests should be resolved by voters at the ballot box rather than through legal maneuvering. Furthermore, representatives for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke noted that the ruling clears the path for his political future, effectively halting attempts to exclude him from upcoming elections.
The appellate court criticized the lower court for disregarding evidence that these parties had satisfied constitutional requirements. By allowing the appeals, the Court of Appeal confirmed that all five political parties maintain their legal status to operate and compete in future electoral cycles.
