Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the Federal High Court ruling that ordered INEC to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
Delivering a unanimous judgment, Justice Abba Mohammed and his panel declared that the earlier decision was made without proper jurisdiction and was therefore a nullity. The appellate court criticized the Federal High Court for acting outside its authority, ignoring crucial evidence of the parties’ electoral successes, and proceeding despite a stay order.
The court further restored the registration of all five parties and dismissed the suit, which was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, with costs awarded against the plaintiff. In addition, the court also condemned the conduct of Justice Lifu, who had ordered the deregistration but proceeded to deliver judgment despite a stay on proceedings, describing his actions as judicial impertinence.
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