A’Court restores ADC, opposition leaders hail judgment as victory for democracy

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has restored the legal status of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, prompting celebrations among opposition leaders who described the verdict as a major victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

 

In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed nullified the June 15 ruling of the Federal High Court, which had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

 

The appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit because it was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which it ruled was not a juristic person with the legal capacity to sue.

 

The court further held that there was no competent suit before the lower court to justify directing INEC to deregister the affected parties. It also faulted the trial court for ignoring evidence showing that the parties had won elective offices in previous elections.

 

Additionally, the appellate court criticised the trial judge for proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order staying proceedings pending the determination of an interlocutory appeal, describing the action as “judicial impertinence.”

 

The ruling effectively restores the legal status of all five political parties and set aside all consequential orders made by the lower court.

 

Reacting, the ADC welcomed the judgment, describing it as a reaffirmation of constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

 

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the judgment raised serious concerns about judicial accountability, noting that the appellate court found the trial judge acted despite a subsisting stay of proceedings.

 

“We consider this finding by the Court of Appeal extraordinary. It goes to the very heart of the integrity of the judiciary and the judicial process,” the statement read.

 

The party also questioned whether a judge so strongly criticised by a superior court should remain on the bench.

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s media office described the judgment as a landmark victory that removed every legal obstacle to the ADC’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

 

It also said that, alongside an earlier Federal High Court judgment affirming the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee of the party, all legal disputes surrounding the ADC’s status and leadership had now been resolved.

 

“We warmly welcome the landmark judgment of the Court of Appeal… Their judgment is a reassuring affirmation that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and the ultimate guardian of constitutional democracy,” the statement said.

 

Former Senate President David Mark also hailed the verdict as a victory for democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law, urging party members to channel the momentum into grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

Similarly, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is contesting the August 15 governorship election on the Accord Party platform, described the ruling as a victory for democracy and called on supporters to intensify mobilisation.

 

“Again, Accord is victorious — democracy and the rule of law have prevailed,” Adeleke wrote on his X account.

 

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Action Alliance, Adekunle Omoaje, also welcomed the judgment, saying it preserved the rights of smaller political parties and strengthened Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

 

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) described the decision as a courageous reaffirmation of constitutional democracy and renewed its call on the National Judicial Council to investigate judicial officers whose judgments conflict with constitutional provisions.

 

IPAC said the judgment restored public confidence in the judiciary and reinforced the constitutional rights of political parties to participate freely in Nigeria’s democratic process.