ADC, Four Others Regain Registration As Appeal Court Voids High Court Judgment

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, restoring their legal status ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, a three-member panel held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction because the suit was filed by a non-juristic body. 

The appellate court ruled that there was no competent case to justify the order directing INEC to deregister the parties.

The court further faulted the trial court for ignoring evidence showing that the affected parties had won elective seats in previous elections and for proceeding with the case despite an earlier order to stay proceedings pending an appeal.

Justice Abba Mohammed, who delivered the lead judgment, declared the earlier ruling a nullity, upheld the separate appeals filed by the parties, and awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which instituted the suit.

The ruling restores the registrations of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), allowing them to continue operating as recognised political parties.