The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeal challenging the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A three-member panel of the appellate court announced that a date for the judgment would be communicated to all parties after listening to arguments presented by counsel during proceedings held on July 14, 2026.
The appeal arises from an earlier decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The lower court held that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements necessary to retain their status as registered political parties.
In addition to ordering their deregistration, the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, restrained the parties from functioning as recognised political organisations. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise the affected parties, accept candidates sponsored by them, or permit them to participate in activities relating to preparations for the 2027 general elections pending the determination of the case.
However, the Court of Appeal had earlier intervened by suspending the execution of the Federal High Court’s judgment. The appellate court faulted the lower court for proceeding to deliver its ruling despite an earlier directive requiring it to halt proceedings while issues before the appellate court were being considered.
At the hearing of the appeal, lawyers representing the parties presented their arguments on the legality of the Federal High Court’s decision and urged the appellate court to determine whether the order directing INEC to deregister the political parties was made in accordance with the law.
Following the submissions, the three-member panel informed the parties that judgment had been reserved and that they would be notified once a date for its delivery is fixed.
The outcome of the appeal is expected to have significant implications for the affected political parties as Nigeria gradually intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections. It will also clarify the legal issues surrounding the powers of the courts and the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding the registration and continued recognition of political parties in the country.
Until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment, the earlier stay of execution remains in effect, while all parties await the court’s final decision on the matter.
