The Court of Appeal in Abuja has issued a stay of execution on a lower court's judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
A three-member panel, led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, strongly criticized the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, for delivering the judgment despite a prior directive to suspend proceedings. The appellate court characterized the lower court's actions as a severe breach of judicial hierarchy, constitutional principles, and established legal precedents regarding the conduct of judicial officers. The panel emphasized its duty to maintain supervisory authority and protect the integrity of the judicial system.
During the proceedings, INEC's lead counsel, Haliru Mohammed, expressed surprise at the lower court's decision, noting that the commission was not officially notified and only learned of the ruling through media reports. He confirmed that INEC was aware of the previous order restraining the Federal High Court and stated that the commission did not oppose the application to stay the execution.
Legal representation for the ADC, Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, informed the panel that the lower court had communicated the delivery of the judgment via a messaging application. He argued that the judge's actions warranted disciplinary measures and urged the appellate court to protect its integrity by immediately suspending the ruling. Representatives for the other affected political parties—the Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party—warned that enforcing the deregistration could cause significant constitutional and electoral disruptions ahead of upcoming by-elections across six states.
The initial Federal High Court ruling had directed INEC to deregister the five parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration and electoral participation. Following the appellate court's recent order, all five political parties will maintain their registered status while their appeals are being determined.