In a major legal victory, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
A unanimous three-member panel, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, ruled that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to make such an order, declaring the judgment null and void.
The appellate court also faulted the trial court for: Assuming jurisdiction based on a suit filed by a non-juristic entity; Ignoring evidence that the affected parties had previously won elective offices, making them ineligible for deregistration under the law; Proceeding with the case despite an earlier order directing a stay of proceedings.
As a result, the court confirmed that the following parties remain legally registered:
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Accord Party
Action Alliance (AA)
Action Peoples Party (APP)
Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
The Court of Appeal also awarded costs against the plaintiffs.