Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to halt the execution of a Federal High Court judgment directing the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, describing the ruling as a significant step in protecting Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the ADC for the 2027 general election, reacted shortly after a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal unanimously ordered a stay of execution of the controversial judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court.
The appellate court held that the lower court proceeded with the matter despite an existing order directing it to suspend further proceedings pending the determination of appeals before the Court of Appeal.
The panel, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, noted that the Federal High Court had been ordered on May 22 to stay proceedings in the case but went ahead to deliver judgment.
Reacting to the development in a statement posted on his social media platforms, Atiku commended the appellate court for intervening and noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) itself played a key role in seeking the stay of execution.
“I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgement seeking the deregistration of our great party, the ADC, and four other political parties. It is particularly significant that INEC itself initiated the application for the stay,” Atiku stated.
The former vice-president said the ruling reflects growing concerns over what he described as conflicting judicial decisions and politically influenced judgments.
According to him, recent developments within the judiciary have placed the institution under intense public scrutiny.
“The judiciary itself is now on trial,” he said, echoing an earlier position taken by the National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark.
Atiku warned that any attempt to undermine democratic institutions through judicial actions could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s stability and democratic future.
“Any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s hard-won democracy through judicial manipulation is a grave danger to the Republic. If our democracy suffers further injury, history will demand accountability from those entrusted with dispensing justice,” he said.
He further urged members of the judiciary to remain faithful to constitutional principles and the rule of law, insisting that the institution still has an opportunity to strengthen public confidence through impartial and courageous decisions.
The controversy began on Monday when the Federal High Court ordered INEC to deregister the ADC, Accord Party (AP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and another political party over alleged failure to satisfy constitutional requirements for continued registration.
However, the Court of Appeal’s intervention has effectively suspended the implementation of the judgment pending the determination of the substantive appeals filed by the affected parties.
The ruling is expected to provide temporary relief to the ADC and other parties affected by the deregistration order as the legal battle moves to its next phase.
