The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution on a Federal High Court judgment that directed the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties.
The appellate court halted the enforcement of the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which had ordered the deregistration of the ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal strongly criticised the decision of the lower court to proceed with the matter despite a pending appeal and an earlier order from the appellate court.
The panel of justices described the action as a violation of judicial hierarchy and constitutional principles.
According to the court, the trial judge acted despite being aware that the matter was already before the Court of Appeal.
As a result, the appellate court granted an application seeking a stay of execution and suspended the enforcement of the judgment pending further proceedings.
Appeal Court Faults Trial Court’s Action
The appellate court held that the lower court failed to respect the authority of a superior court.
The justices described the action as “the highest form of judicial impertinence” and stated that courts must uphold the integrity of the judicial system by respecting established legal procedures.
The court further noted that it has supervisory authority over lower courts and must ensure compliance with its directives.
Consequently, it ruled that the judgment deregistering the affected political parties cannot be enforced until the appeal is determined.
Background to the ADC Deregistration Case
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had earlier directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five political parties.
The affected parties were the ADC, APP, AA, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
According to the judgment, the parties allegedly failed to satisfy constitutional requirements necessary for their continued participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The ruling generated significant reactions from opposition political groups and stakeholders.
ADC Rejects Deregistration Order
Before the Court of Appeal’s intervention, the ADC had rejected the deregistration order and alleged that the move was designed to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections.
The party maintained that it remained a legally recognised political platform and vowed to challenge the judgment through legal means.
With the latest ruling, the affected parties can continue operating while the substantive appeal remains before the court.
The development marks a significant legal victory for the ADC and the other political parties as the dispute over their status moves to the next stage of judicial review.
