Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed a dramatic twist as the Court of Appeal in Abuja suspended the execution of a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The ruling has intensified the ongoing ADC deregistration battle, sparked fresh legal disputes, and reignited concerns over the future of multiparty democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice A.B. Mohammed, the Court of Appeal granted a stay of execution against the Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the ADC, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) from its register.
The appellate court strongly criticised the conduct of the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, for proceeding to deliver judgment despite an earlier directive from the appellate court ordering suspension of proceedings.
According to the appellate court, disregarding the order amounted to a violation of judicial hierarchy and constitutional principles. The panel held that courts must preserve the integrity of the judicial system and ensure lower courts comply with directives issued by superior courts.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of courts and the Constitution,” the appellate court ruled. Consequently, enforcement of the deregistration order was suspended pending further determination of the matter.
A major development in the ADC deregistration battle was INEC’s support for the application seeking suspension of the judgment. Represented by a legal team led by Haliru Mohammed, the electoral commission informed the appellate court that it was unaware of the judgment’s delivery and only became aware through media reports.
INEC stated that it had expected proceedings to remain suspended following the Court of Appeal’s earlier order of May 22, which halted delivery of judgment initially scheduled for June 5. The commission therefore did not oppose the application for stay of execution.
Counsel to the ADC, Shuaibu Aruwa (SAN), told the appellate court that notification of the judgment was communicated through WhatsApp. He argued that the decision by the lower court represented a direct challenge to the authority of the Court of Appeal and urged the appellate court to take decisive action.
According to him, the ruling created uncertainty for political parties already preparing for future elections and threatened democratic stability. Lawyers representing the affected parties also noted that INEC is expected to conduct by-elections in several states, warning that immediate enforcement of the deregistration order could generate widespread confusion and administrative complications.
The Federal High Court judgment originated from a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL). The group argued that the affected parties failed to satisfy electoral performance requirements contained in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, the plaintiffs sought an order compelling INEC to deregister the parties.
Justice Peter Lifu granted the request, triggering immediate backlash from opposition politicians, civil society groups and party leaders who viewed the decision as a threat to democratic participation. Critics argued that removing registered parties ahead of major elections could shrink Nigeria’s political space and weaken opposition voices.
While the deregistration dispute unfolded, another legal confrontation emerged within the ADC itself. Justice Peter Lifu declined requests to withdraw from a separate suit challenging the legitimacy of the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party.
The judge ruled that no credible evidence had been presented to justify claims of bias and subsequently imposed costs of N500,000 each against Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola for filing the recusal application. The suit was brought by former ADC National Deputy Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legality of the current caretaker leadership.
Gombe argues that following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, he became entitled to assume party leadership. He is asking the court to invalidate actions taken by the Mark-led leadership and restrain its officials from acting on behalf of the party. The matter has been fixed for accelerated hearing.
The ruling generated strong reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Accord Party presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, described the judgment as part of a broader effort to weaken opposition politics before the 2027 elections. He argued that recent developments suggest attempts to reduce political competition and limit alternative platforms available to voters.
Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, warned that deregistering major opposition parties could create serious political tensions. He described the ruling as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations and called for broader national and international attention to the issue.
Adewole Adebayo also criticised the ruling, describing it as unconstitutional and harmful to democratic development. He pledged support for affected parties pursuing legal remedies and stressed that political participation should not be restricted through judicial actions.
The Accord Party maintained that Nigeria’s democracy depends on political pluralism and warned against any development that could encourage a one-party political environment.
Acting National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Chief Peter Ameh, urged Nigerians to resist what he termed undemocratic attempts to weaken political parties.
Similarly, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties described the judgment as a threat to constitutional democracy and the rights of citizens to participate in politics through parties of their choice. The organisation alleged that the deregistration effort reflected a wider pattern of pressure on opposition parties and warned against undermining democratic competition.
Offering a contrasting position, Kayode Ajulo defended the Federal High Court ruling. He argued that the judgment merely applied existing constitutional provisions and was not motivated by political considerations.
Ajulo pointed to Section 225A of the Constitution, which empowers INEC to deregister parties that fail to meet prescribed electoral benchmarks. According to him, the constitutional framework was enacted years before the current administration and remains binding on the courts.
With the Court of Appeal suspending enforcement of the deregistration order, the ADC deregistration battle has entered a new and potentially decisive phase. The legal confrontation now extends beyond the status of five political parties to broader questions about judicial authority, electoral regulations, party leadership disputes and the future of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
As appeals proceed and political tensions rise ahead of the 2027 elections, the outcome of the case could significantly shape the country’s electoral landscape and determine how political competition evolves in the years ahead.
