The Court of Appeal in Abuja has suspended the execution of a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court ordered INEC not to take any steps toward the deregistration of the affected parties pending the determination of the substantive appeal challenging the lower court’s decision.
The development comes barely 24 hours after Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court ordered the electoral commission to remove the ADC, the Accord Party (AP), and three other political parties from the register of political parties, citing their alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements for continued existence.
However, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal faulted the lower court’s decision and granted an immediate stay of execution, effectively preserving the legal status of the affected parties until the substantive issues are determined.
In strong remarks contained in the ruling, the appellate court reportedly described the action of the Federal High Court as a “brazen disregard for the higher court and judicial impertinence.”
The ruling means that the ADC and the other affected political parties will remain legally recognized and eligible to participate in political activities pending the outcome of the appeal.
The decision is expected to provide temporary relief to the opposition parties, particularly the ADC, which has recently emerged as a rallying platform for several opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Further details of the Court of Appeal’s ruling are expected as proceedings continue.
