Accord hails Appeal Court deregistration ruling, describing the judgment as a victory for democracy ahead of the Osun 2026 governorship election
Accord has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision overturning a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the ruling as a significant victory for democracy, the rule of law and due process ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
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The appellate court’s judgment reversed an earlier decision by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had directed INEC to remove the affected political parties from its register.
The ruling allows the parties to retain their legal status unless further judicial action is taken.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, Accord said the judgment had restored confidence in Nigeria’s judicial process and reaffirmed citizens’ constitutional right to political participation.
“The Court of Appeal ruling is indeed sweet music in the ears of all lovers of representative governance in Nigeria. It is also a powerful signal that anti-democratic and reactionary forces will be defeated if citizens stand up for their rights to democratic participation,” Maxwell Mgbudem said.
The party argued that the earlier suit was intended to frustrate its political activities, particularly in Osun State, where the governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026.
Accord further alleged that the litigation was designed to prevent Governor Ademola Adeleke from participating in the election, although the party did not provide evidence to support the claim.
“The way this grand judicial plot failed is the way the opposition in Osun State will also fail, as the party will again emerge victorious in the polls,” the statement added.
The party maintained that it fulfilled all constitutional and statutory requirements for registration and had participated in elections recognised by law.
Accord also questioned the legal standing of those who instituted the suit, describing them as individuals without the requisite authority to bring the action.
Accord thanked Nigerians who criticised the Federal High Court judgment, saying public support reflected a commitment to democratic principles and the independence of the judiciary.
The legal dispute comes at a politically sensitive period as parties intensify preparations for the Osun governorship election.
The Court of Appeal’s decision ensures that Accord remains a registered political party and can continue its political activities pending any further legal proceedings.
The case also highlights the recurring legal battles surrounding political party registration and electoral participation in Nigeria.
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Under the Electoral Act, INEC oversees the registration and regulation of political parties, while disputes over such decisions are subject to judicial review, making court rulings a critical part of the country’s electoral process.
