Appeal Court Halts Deregistration Of Five Political Parties
Appellate Court Intervenes in Political Party Deregistration Dispute
THE Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has ordered a stay of execution on a Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties.
The ruling effectively suspends the implementation of the lower court’s decision pending the determination of appeals and related proceedings before the appellate court.
The development represents a significant twist in a case that has generated widespread attention within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among opposition parties affected by the judgment.
Court Questions Lower Court’s Decision
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal expressed strong reservations about the manner in which the Federal High Court handled the matter.
The appellate court criticized the decision of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to proceed with the case and issue orders despite the existence of related proceedings before the Appeal Court.
According to reports from the proceedings, the appellate court described the action as inappropriate in view of the pending legal issues already before it.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on procedural discipline and respect for the hierarchy of courts in the administration of justice.
Five Political Parties Affected
The Federal High Court had ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action People’s Party (APP), and Action Alliance (AA).
The judgment was based on constitutional provisions relating to the operational requirements expected of registered political parties.
Justice Lifu held that the affected parties failed to satisfy the constitutional threshold prescribed under Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
INEC Challenges Judgment
Following the ruling, INEC approached the Court of Appeal seeking relief against the judgment and requesting that its enforcement be suspended.
The electoral commission argued that the decision should not take effect while the appeal process remains ongoing.
With the stay of execution now granted, the affected political parties retain their legal status pending the final resolution of the dispute.
The case is expected to continue attracting attention as the appellate court considers the substantive issues raised by the parties and determines the constitutional questions surrounding political party registration and deregistration in Nigeria.
