Opposition leaders have welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), describing the ruling as a major victory for democracy and the rule of law.
In its judgment delivered in Abuja, the Court of Appeal ruled that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case that sought the deregistration of the five political parties.
Justice Abba Mohammed, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the National Forum of Former Legislators, which filed the suit, was not a legally recognised body and therefore had no authority to institute the case.
The appellate court said there was no valid suit before the lower court to justify the order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the parties from its register.
It also faulted the Federal High Court for ignoring evidence showing that the affected parties had won elective positions in previous elections.
The court further criticised Justice Peter Lifu for continuing with the case despite an earlier directive to suspend proceedings pending the outcome of an interlocutory appeal.
Describing the action as "judicial impertinence," the appellate court noted that the Supreme Court had previously ruled that such conduct amounted to "judicial rascality."
The judgment restored the legal status of the five political parties and awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators.
Justice Lifu had earlier ruled on June 15 that the parties should be deregistered, claiming they failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration. He also barred INEC from recognising them or accepting candidates sponsored by them in future elections.
The plaintiffs had argued that the parties failed to satisfy the electoral performance requirements outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, while the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), supported the suit.
Following the ruling, the affected parties and INEC appealed, leading to Tuesday's decision by the Court of Appeal.
Reacting to the verdict, the ADC said the judgment raised serious concerns about judicial accountability and questioned whether a judge criticised so strongly by a higher court should remain on the bench.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the decision as a reaffirmation of constitutional democracy and noted that the appellate court accepted INEC's evidence confirming the ADC met all legal requirements for registration.
The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also hailed the judgment, saying it removed every legal obstacle to the ADC's participation in the 2027 general elections.
According to Atiku's media office, the ruling, together with an earlier Federal High Court judgment recognising Senator David Mark as the party's national chairman, had finally settled all disputes surrounding the ADC's legal status and leadership.
David Mark also described the judgment as a victory for democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law, urging party members to channel the renewed momentum into grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Osun State governorship candidate under the Accord Party, Ademola Adeleke, celebrated the ruling, calling on supporters to intensify preparations for the August 15 governorship election.
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"The Court of Appeal has affirmed what we have always known — our party remains strong, lawful and fully prepared for the election," Adeleke said.
The Action Alliance presidential candidate, Adekunle Omoaje, also described the judgment as a triumph for Nigeria's multiparty democracy, saying it preserved the political rights of millions of Nigerians who identify with smaller parties.
Counsel to the Action Peoples Party, Peter Abang, said the verdict reaffirmed respect for the hierarchy of courts and represented another victory for constitutional democracy.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council also welcomed the decision, describing it as a courageous reaffirmation of the rule of law.
In a statement, IPAC said the judgment strengthened public confidence in the judiciary and renewed its call for the National Judicial Council to investigate judges whose decisions conflict with constitutional provisions, warning that such judgments could undermine Nigeria's democratic institutions.
