The Accord Party has celebrated a recent Court of Appeal decision that overturned a Federal High Court order requiring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the party and four others from its register. Accord officials labeled the ruling as a significant win for the rule of law and democratic principles.
National Chairman Maxwell Mgbudem emphasized that the judgment validates the judiciary as a protector of democratic values. According to Mgbudem, the initial lawsuit aimed to exclude Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, from the August 15 gubernatorial election. He described the legal challenge as a baseless attempt to distract the party and hinder its political progress.
Mgbudem asserted that Accord has consistently met all legal registration requirements and has secured electoral victories, rendering the deregistration attempt meritless. The party chairman criticized the individuals behind the lawsuit, referring to them as unauthorized interlopers. The legal battle included a stay of proceedings granted on May 22, 2026, followed by a stay of execution on June 16, leading up to this final appellate decision.
The party leadership extended gratitude to Nigerians who supported their cause and condemned the previous judgment issued by Justice Peter Lifu. Mgbudem suggested that the party’s rising influence, especially in Osun State, triggered the opposition against them. He concluded by calling on citizens to remain committed to democratic participation and national unity.
