The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, ruling that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to make the order.
The Court of Appeal has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court that ordered INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In its lead judgment, the appellate court held that the trial court wrongly assumed jurisdiction because the suit that led to the deregistration order was filed by a non-juristic entity and was therefore incompetent.
Court Faults Lower Court’s Decision
The appellate court ruled that there was no valid suit before the Federal High Court upon which the order directing INEC to deregister the political parties could legally stand.
It consequently allowed the separate appeals filed by INEC and the affected political parties, restoring their legal status and setting aside all consequential orders made by the lower court.
Five Political Parties Restored
The judgment restores the recognition of:
- African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- Action Peoples Party (APP)
- Action Alliance (AA)
- Accord Party (AP)
- Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
The appellate court also awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators, which instituted the original suit.
Major Boost Ahead of 2027 Elections
The ruling is expected to strengthen the position of the affected parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly the ADC, which has featured prominently in recent opposition coalition discussions. However, the judgment addresses only the legality of the deregistration order and does not determine any broader political issues.