APPEAL COURT NULLIFIES ORDER FOR DEREGISTRATION OF ADC AND FOUR OTHERS. (PHOTO).

 Appeal  Court nullifies order for deregistration of ADC and  four others.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties. 

The appellate court held that the lower court’s decision could not stand, effectively allowing the affected parties to retain their legal status as registered political parties. 

This is more than just a victory for five political parties.

It is a reminder that democracy is built on due process, not shortcuts.

This decision could significantly shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC has recently attracted several prominent opposition figures, making its continued registration politically significant. Had the deregistration order remained in force, it would have altered the options available to opposition politicians and voters alike. 

Regardless of political affiliation, democracy functions best when political competition is decided at the ballot box, while disputes over legality are resolved in the courtroom.

The legal analysis

Political parties in Nigeria can indeed be deregistered, but only in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

That is why decisions affecting the existence of political parties are subjected to close judicial scrutiny.

In this case, the Court of Appeal found sufficient legal grounds to overturn the Federal High Court’s order. The effect of the judgment is that ADC, Accord Party and the other affected parties remain legally recognised unless a higher court decides otherwise. 

The case also reinforces an important principle of Nigerian law:

Every court is subject to appellate review.

A judgment of the High Court is not necessarily the final word. Where a party believes the trial court erred in law or procedure, the Court of Appeal has the constitutional power to correct that error.

My takeaway

The strength of a democracy is not measured by how easily political parties are removed.

It is measured by whether the rule of law is respected throughout the process.

Whether you support the ADC, Accord Party or any other party, one principle should unite everyone:

Political contests should be won through votes, and legal contests should be won through the courts and not the other way around.