Appeal Court overturns ADC deregistration ruling, voiding a Federal High Court judgment against ADC, Accord Party and three others
The Court of Appeal has overturned a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties, ruling that the suit was improperly filed.
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In a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court held that the Forum of Former Legislators, which instituted the case seeking the parties’ deregistration, lacked the legal standing, or locus standi, to bring the action before the court.
The three-member panel, led by Justice Abba Bello, declared the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court null and void, setting it aside in its entirety.
The court also awarded ₦1 million in costs against the Forum of Former Legislators, the appellants in the case.
The ruling effectively restores the legal position of the affected political parties by nullifying the decision earlier delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court.
The case had drawn significant political attention because it challenged the continued registration of the ADC, Accord Party and three other parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Tuesday’s judgment marks a major legal victory for the affected parties, with the Court of Appeal concluding that the case could not proceed because the plaintiffs failed to establish the legal right required to institute the action.
Also read:Â ADC chieftain urges Rivers voters to avoid 2015 mistake in 2027
Further details of the judgment are expected as the certified court ruling becomes available.
