The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, nullified the judgement of a Federal High Court, Abuja that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other registered political parties.
The four other political parties are the Action Alliance AA), Accord Party (AP), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
The appellate court empathically held that the June 15, judgment of the Federal High Court presided over by Justic Peter Lifu was invalid, thus cannot stand.
The Appeal Court in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, held that the Federal High Court acted without jurisdiction, stressing that there was no valid suit before the High Court to justify its order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the parties.
In the judgement delivered by Justice Abba Mohammed, the Appeal Court held that the case was filed by a non-juristic entity, therefore incompetent.
It further held that the Federal High Court failed to properly assess evidence showing that the affected parties had previously won elective positions.
The appellate court specifically took note of the fact the Federal High Court proceeded with the matter despite an earlier order directing it to stay proceedings.
The Court of Appeal described Justice Lifu’s action as “a form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court had held that a judge who behaves in such a manner is “unfit for the bench,” as such a conduct amounts to “judicial rascality”.
The Court of Appeal stressed that the High Court ought to have dismissed the suit for lack of jurisdiction and merit.
It therefore declared that the ADC, AA, AP, APP, and ZLP remain legally registered political parties.
Accordingly, the Appeal Court awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which filed the suit.
The Court of Appeal noted that it had earlier stayed the execution of the High Court judgment and faulted the trial judge for ignoring its directive.
A Federal High Court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu had earlier ruled that the five parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration and participation in future elections.
The NFFL had argued that the parties did not satisfy the electoral performance thresholds under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC regulations.
The judgement of the Court of Appeal has now put to rest the decision of the Federal High Court as it restored the legal status of the five political parties.
