Appeal Court Voids ADC Deregistration, Sets Aside Federal High Court Judgment, Fines Plaintiffs

In a major legal victory for opposition political parties in Nigeria, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned 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 ruled that the suit was wrongly filed, declaring that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the action, thereby restoring the affected parties’ legal status.

A dramatic twist has emerged in Nigeria’s political landscape as the Court of Appeal overturned the controversial judgment that sought to deregister the ADC and four other political parties. The ruling could reshape the legal and political conversation ahead of future elections.

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. The appellate court ruled that the Forum of Former Legislators lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to file the suit and awarded ₦1 million in costs against the plaintiffs.

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

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court held that the Forum of Former Legislators, which instituted the suit seeking the deregistration of the political parties, lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to file the case.

Consequently, the Court of Appeal declared the judgment of the Federal High Court, delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu, null and void. The appellate court therefore set aside the decision in its entirety.

The three-member panel, led by Justice Abba Bello, ruled that the suit ought not to have been entertained because the plaintiffs failed to establish the legal capacity required to institute the action.

Furthermore, the appellate court awarded costs of ₦1 million against the Forum of Former Legislators, ordering the group to pay the amount following the unsuccessful litigation.

The judgment marks a significant legal reprieve for the affected political parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose legal status had been threatened by the earlier Federal High Court ruling.