The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the case aimed at deregistering the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties, marking a significant legal victory for these parties as they gear up for the 2027 general election.
In a unanimous decision given on Monday, the appellate court overturned the previous ruling by the Federal High Court, which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister these parties due to alleged constitutional violations. This ruling reinstates the legal status of the concerned political parties.
The appellate court found that the lower court made an error in ordering the deregistration, thereby accepting the appeals from the political parties and INEC. This judgment effectively cancels the Federal High Court’s decision and lifts the legal hindrance that had jeopardized the parties’ future electoral participation.
The case originated from a lawsuit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that these parties no longer fulfilled constitutional criteria to remain registered. In June, the Federal High Court had commanded INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). However, this judgment was temporarily halted by the Court of Appeal while the main appeals were being considered.
With this latest ruling, the affected parties maintain their legal registration and are eligible to partake in Nigeria’s electoral process, including preparations for the 2027 general election, unless overturned by a higher court. The decision is anticipated to have significant political ramifications, especially as opposition parties continue their consultations and alliance formations ahead of the upcoming national elections.
