ADC Deregistration: Appeal Court Stops Judgment Against Five Political Parties

The Court of Appeal has stayed the execution of a Federal High Court judgment ordering INEC to deregister the ADC and four other political parties pending the determination of their appeals.

Key Points

• The Court of Appeal has stayed the judgment ordering INEC to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.
• The appellate court criticised the Federal High Court for delivering its judgment despite an earlier order to suspend proceedings.
• INEC said it only became aware of the judgment through media reports.
• The five affected parties remain registered pending the determination of their appeals.

DC Deregistration Put on Hold by Appeal Court

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution of the judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

The appellate court’s decision means the affected parties will remain legally registered and eligible to participate in political activities pending the determination of their appeals.

Why the Appeal Court Faulted the Federal High Court

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed criticised Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for proceeding to deliver judgment despite an earlier order from the appellate court directing him to suspend proceedings.

The Court of Appeal described the action as a violation of judicial hierarchy and constitutional principles.

According to the panel, lower courts are bound to obey the orders of superior courts and cannot proceed contrary to directives issued by appellate courts.

INEC Says It Learned of the Judgment Through Media Reports

INEC’s lead counsel, Haliru Mohammed, told the court that the electoral commission was surprised by the delivery of the judgment.

According to him, INEC did not receive any official notice regarding the judgment and only became aware of it through media reports.

The commission subsequently informed the court that it would not oppose the application seeking a stay of execution.

ADC Alleges Judgment Was Communicated Through WhatsApp

Counsel for the ADC, Shuaibu Aruwa (SAN), informed the appellate court that the party received information about the judgment through a WhatsApp message from the trial judge.

The disclosure reportedly drew reactions from members of the appellate panel.

The ADC argued that the circumstances surrounding the judgment raised serious concerns and urged the Court of Appeal to take steps to protect the integrity of the judicial process.

Political Parties Warn of Electoral Crisis

The affected political parties also drew the court’s attention to the June 20 by-elections scheduled across six states.

According to them, allowing the judgment ordering their deregistration to stand could trigger constitutional and electoral complications across the country.

The parties argued that their exclusion from the electoral process could affect preparations for upcoming elections and undermine political participation.

Political Parties Affected by the Judgment

The Federal High Court had ordered INEC to deregister:

• African Democratic Congress (ADC)
• Action Peoples Party (APP)
• Action Alliance (AA)
• Accord Party (AP)
• Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)

The court held that the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for their continued existence.

However, following Tuesday’s decision by the Court of Appeal, the five political parties remain registered pending the determination of their appeals.

Why This Matters

The ruling is significant because it preserves the participation of the affected political parties in Nigeria’s democratic process while their appeals are being heard.

The decision also reinforces the principle that lower courts must comply with the directives of superior courts in order to maintain the integrity of the judicial system.

Timeline of Events

May 22, 2026: Court of Appeal orders the Federal High Court to suspend proceedings.

June 2026: Federal High Court delivers judgment directing INEC to deregister five political parties.

Tuesday: Court of Appeal stays execution of the judgment and allows the parties to remain registered.

What Happens Next?

The affected political parties will continue to exist as registered parties while the Court of Appeal considers their substantive appeals.

The outcome of the appeals could determine whether the parties retain their registration status ahead of future elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which political parties were affected?

ADC, APP, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party.

Has the ADC been deregistered?

No. The Court of Appeal has stayed the execution of the judgment, meaning the ADC remains registered for now.

Why did the Court of Appeal intervene?

The appellate court held that the Federal High Court proceeded with its judgment despite an earlier order suspending proceedings.

Can the affected parties still participate in elections?

Yes. They remain registered political parties pending the determination of their appeals.