APPEAL COURT RESTORES ADC, FOUR OTHER PARTIES, NULLIFIES DEREGISTRATION RULING

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties, restoring their legal status.

In a unanimous decision, the appellate court held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case because the suit was filed by an entity without the legal standing to do so. It subsequently declared the earlier judgment a nullity and struck out the suit.

The ruling restores the registration of the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), allowing them to continue operating as recognised political parties under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The appellate court also criticised the handling of the case by the trial court, noting procedural flaws in the earlier proceedings. The judgment marks a significant legal victory for the affected parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.