LP Hail Appeal Court For Halting Deregistration ADC, Others

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has hailed the Court of Appeal’s decision to suspend the deregistration of five political parties, describing the ruling as a crucial defence of democracy and judicial order. The appellate court’s intervention has temporarily preserved the legal status of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Background to the Controversy

The dispute originated from a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the five parties. The ruling sparked outrage among stakeholders, who argued that it undermined democratic participation and ignored ongoing appeals.

On Tuesday, however, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal led by Justice A.B. Mohammed halted the implementation of the judgment, criticising the trial court for disregarding judicial hierarchy. The appellate court noted that Justice Lifu proceeded with the case despite an earlier restraining order, describing his conduct as a serious breach of judicial discipline.

Labour Party’s Reaction

Speaking in Abuja, Labour Party’s factional National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, faulted Justice Lifu’s ruling and accused him of disregarding established legal principles. He argued that the judgment was rushed and delivered despite knowledge of a pending appeal.

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“The Appeal Court has done the right thing. It is not proper for Justice Lifu to rush into making that judgment, especially on the eve of an Appeal Court sitting. He ought to know that the appellate court has powers over the lower court,” Ifoh said.

He further alleged that the judge had previously delivered rulings that negatively affected the Labour Party, insisting that the National Judicial Council should investigate the matter.

Implications for Political Parties

Ifoh stressed that the implications of the Federal High Court judgment extended beyond the five affected parties. He noted that candidates had already emerged through established processes and preparations for future elections were ongoing.

“Why allow political parties to sell forms, make presentations and bring people to contest before giving such a judgment? What do you want those people to do?” he asked.

The Labour Party maintained that the deregistration order was inconsistent with democratic principles and risked disenfranchising voters.

Appeal Court’s Position

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal described Justice Lifu’s actions as one of the gravest forms of judicial misconduct. The panel emphasised that appellate courts have a constitutional responsibility to preserve respect for judicial hierarchy and discipline within the system.

Counsel to INEC, Haliru Mohammed, told the appellate court that the commission was surprised by the trial court’s decision, noting that INEC only became aware of the ruling through media reports. He said the commission had expected the trial court to abide by the restraining order issued by the appellate court.

Labour Party’s Call for Supreme Court Intervention

While welcoming the stay of execution, Ifoh expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would ultimately deliver justice. He urged the apex court to rise to the occasion and restore public confidence in the judiciary.

“We believe that the Supreme Court will do justice to the matter and do the right thing, being the final court of redress. It is on this basis that I want to call on the courageous judges of the Supreme Court to steer our judiciary out of where it is currently headed,” he said.

Broader Democratic Concerns

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between political parties and the judiciary over electoral compliance and constitutional interpretation. For many observers, the appellate court’s intervention underscores the importance of judicial oversight in safeguarding democratic institutions.

By halting the deregistration, the Court of Appeal has ensured that the affected parties remain legally recognised pending the determination of substantive appeals. This decision is expected to influence Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, where smaller parties often play a role in shaping alliances and voter choices.

The Labour Party’s praise for the appellate court reflects wider relief among opposition parties that fear exclusion from the democratic process. While the matter is far from resolved, the ruling has temporarily preserved political pluralism and reinforced the principle that judicial hierarchy must be respected.

As the case heads toward the Supreme Court, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Nigeria’s judiciary balances constitutional compliance with the need to protect democratic participation.