- It said the case will remain on hold pending the outcome of the appeal
- The parties will continue their activities for now
- The Court of Appeal has suspended the ruling that ordered the deregistration of ADC and other political parties
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other affected political parties have welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to suspend the enforcement of a Federal High Court judgment that ordered their deregistration, describing the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the appellate court, sitting in Abuja, granted a stay of execution on Tuesday, preventing the immediate implementation of the lower court’s judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party.
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In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, the court criticised the conduct of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court for proceeding with the judgment despite an earlier appellate court order directing him to suspend action on the matter pending the determination of an appeal.
The appellate court held that disregarding a superior court’s directive amounted to a serious violation of judicial procedure and the constitutional hierarchy of courts. It consequently ordered that the judgment be put on hold until the appeal is fully determined.
The controversy began after Justice Lifu ruled that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance and directed INEC to remove them from the list of registered political parties.
During proceedings at the Court of Appeal, INEC disclosed that it was unaware the judgment had been delivered and only learnt about it through media reports. The commission subsequently supported the application seeking a stay of execution and aligned itself with the appeal filed by the affected political parties.
Counsel to the ADC also informed the court that notification of the judgment was communicated to the party through WhatsApp, a development that drew concern during the proceedings.
Reacting to the ruling, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the decision offered reassurance that the judiciary could still uphold justice and protect democratic principles. He, however, called on the National Judicial Council to take steps against judicial officers whose actions undermine public confidence in the courts.
Leaders of other affected parties expressed similar views, describing the appellate court’s intervention as a necessary correction and a reaffirmation of the rule of law.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also welcomed the decision, noting that it was particularly significant that INEC itself sought the stay of execution. He warned against any attempt to use the judiciary as a tool to weaken democratic institutions or political opposition.
Civil society organisations have also joined calls for an investigation into Justice Lifu’s conduct. The Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development urged the National Judicial Council to examine whether the judge acted contrary to an existing appellate court order and determine whether disciplinary measures are necessary.
The group argued that respect for judicial hierarchy and adherence to due process are essential to preserving public confidence in the nation’s legal system, especially as preparations for future elections gather momentum.
Speaking at an ADC strategic communications retreat in Abuja, the party’s National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, said the issue had moved beyond the ADC and had become a test of the judiciary’s credibility.
According to him, Nigerians are closely watching how the National Judicial Council handles the matter, insisting that the judiciary itself is under public scrutiny.
Mark questioned how a court could order the deregistration of a political party and then become involved in subsequent proceedings relating to the same organisation within a short period.
Despite the legal dispute, he urged party members not to be discouraged, expressing confidence that the ADC would overcome the challenge and emerge stronger.
He also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to distract opposition parties, alleging that the government was focusing attention on political rivals rather than addressing pressing national issues.
The ADC chairman charged party communicators to strengthen the party’s message and broaden its appeal across the country as preparations continue for future electoral contests.
With the Court of Appeal’s intervention, the deregistration order remains suspended pending the final determination of the appeal, allowing the affected parties to continue their political activities and remain on the ballot for now.
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