The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, restoring their recognition as legally registered parties in Nigeria’s political space.
The appellate court ruled that the earlier decision of the Federal High Court directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the parties from its register was invalid because the lower court lacked the required jurisdiction to hear the case.
The judgment was delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, who held that the proceedings at the Federal High Court were based on an incompetent suit. The court consequently set aside the earlier ruling and reinstated the affected parties.
The political parties affected by the ruling are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The dispute began after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to deregister the five parties over claims that they failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.
The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, argued that the parties did not satisfy the conditions required under the Constitution and electoral laws, including securing enough electoral support or winning elective positions.
However, the Court of Appeal disagreed with the reasoning of the lower court, stating that the case should not have proceeded because the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the action.
The appellate court also faulted the Federal High Court for delivering judgment despite an existing order directing it to suspend proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal.
According to the Court of Appeal, the lower court’s action amounted to a disregard for judicial procedure, making the entire judgment incapable of standing.
The judges further noted that evidence presented before the trial court, including documents relating to the political parties’ electoral activities and previous victories, was not properly considered.
Following the ruling, the five parties remain recognised by INEC and are free to continue participating in Nigeria’s political process, including preparations ahead of future elections.
The decision is expected to influence political activities as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, where opposition movements and smaller parties are expected to play significant roles.
Before the appellate court’s intervention, the Federal High Court ruling had created uncertainty around the future of the affected parties after INEC was directed to withdraw their recognition and stop accepting candidates sponsored by them.
The ADC, one of the major opposition parties affected by the judgment, had rejected the deregistration order and indicated that it would challenge the decision through legal channels.
Reacting to the development, supporters of the parties described the Court of Appeal ruling as a victory for constitutional democracy and political participation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also welcomed the decision, saying it reaffirmed the importance of the rule of law and the role of the judiciary in protecting democratic principles.
With the latest judgment, ADC and the four other parties have regained their legal standing, bringing an end to the immediate threat of deregistration while reinforcing the requirement that electoral disputes must follow due legal processes.
The ruling adds another major judicial development to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape as parties prepare for upcoming electoral contests.