A fresh legal controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s political landscape after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, despite the existence of an Appeal Court order directing a stay of proceedings in the matter.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the directive, ordering INEC to remove the ADC, Accord Party (AP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) from the list of registered political parties. The ruling was based on claims that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements necessary to retain their registration status.
The judgment has, however, sparked widespread criticism because it was delivered while an interlocutory appeal relating to the case was still pending before the Court of Appeal. Reports indicate that the appellate court had earlier directed the trial court to halt further proceedings until the appeal was determined.
Reacting to the development, the ADC described the ruling as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and accused unnamed government agents of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections. The party maintained that it remained confident of participating in the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the judgment, reportedly describing it as an act of “judicial rascality.” Similarly, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke argued that the ruling violated the subsisting order of the Court of Appeal, raising concerns about its legal validity.
The controversy stems from an earlier application by Adeleke, who sought to be joined as a party in the suit because of his political interests tied to one of the affected parties. Following the trial court’s refusal to grant the application, the matter was taken to the Court of Appeal, which subsequently ordered a stay of proceedings pending the determination of the appeal.
Legal analysts believe the latest ruling could trigger another round of appeals and may ultimately require clarification from higher courts on whether the Federal High Court acted within the bounds of the law.
The development adds another layer of uncertainty to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections, with questions now being raised over the status of the affected parties and the implications of the court’s decision on the country’s democratic process.
