Court of Appeal Restores ADC, Four Other Parties, Opposition Leaders Hail Verdict
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), restoring their legal status ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a unanimous decision delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, ruling that the group was not a juristic person capable of instituting legal proceedings.
Justice Abba Mohammed, who delivered the lead judgment, also faulted the lower court for ignoring documentary evidence showing that the affected parties had won elective offices in previous elections. The court further criticised the trial judge for proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order directing a stay of proceedings pending an interlocutory appeal.
The appellate court consequently nullified the June 15 judgment in its entirety and awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators.
The ruling sparked widespread celebrations among opposition political leaders and stakeholders. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s media office described the judgment as a landmark victory for constitutional democracy, stating that it removed all legal obstacles to the ADC’s participation in the 2027 elections.
ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, also welcomed the decision, describing it as a triumph for democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law. He urged party members to channel the legal victory into grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next general elections.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord governorship candidate for the August 15 election, hailed the verdict as a victory for democracy and encouraged supporters to intensify their campaign efforts.
Similarly, Action Alliance presidential candidate Adekunle Omoaje said the judgment reaffirmed the constitutional rights of political parties to exist and participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also commended the Court of Appeal for reaffirming constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The council renewed its call on the National Judicial Council to investigate judicial officers whose decisions conflict with constitutional provisions, warning that such judgments could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and threaten democratic stability.
The Court of Appeal’s decision effectively restores the five political parties to the register of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), allowing them to continue participating fully in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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