The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution on the judgment of the Federal High Court that directed the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

In its ruling, the appellate court strongly criticized the decision of the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, describing his actions as a violation of the hierarchy of courts. The court held that Justice Lifu proceeded to hear and determine the matter despite an earlier order of the Court of Appeal and the fact that the case was already pending before it.

The panel of justices stated that the lower court’s conduct amounted to what it described as “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” adding that it was a clear disregard for judicial authority and established legal procedures. The court further noted that the Supreme Court had previously condemned such conduct, describing it as judicial rascality.

According to the appellate court, lower courts are bound by the decisions and directives of higher courts, and any action taken in defiance of such orders undermines the integrity of the judiciary and the provisions of the Constitution.

The court emphasized that it has supervisory authority over the Federal High Court and a responsibility to ensure that its orders are obeyed and respected. It therefore granted the application for a stay of execution and ordered that the enforcement of the judgment deregistering the five political parties be suspended pending further proceedings.

“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of courts and the 1999 Constitution,” the Court of Appeal held.

The ruling effectively preserves the legal status of the five political parties for the time being, allowing them to continue operating while the appeal process continues.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, APP, AA, Accord Party, and ZLP. The court held that the parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements necessary for their continued existence and participation in future elections.

However, with the Court of Appeal’s latest decision, the implementation of that judgment has been temporarily halted until the substantive issues before the appellate court are determined.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties over their alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.

The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The court’s decision followed a suit filed by a group of former lawmakers, who asked the court to determine whether INEC is constitutionally obligated to deregister political parties that fail to satisfy the performance benchmarks outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The plaintiffs argued that the five parties had consistently failed to meet the constitutional conditions required to retain their registration. According to them, the parties did not secure at least 25 percent of votes in any state during presidential elections and also failed to win elective positions at the federal, state, or local government levels.

They further maintained that the parties did not record the required electoral performance in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections conducted by INEC. The former lawmakers contended that allowing such parties to remain on the register despite their poor electoral performance undermines constitutional provisions and weakens the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

The plaintiffs therefore urged the court to compel INEC to deregister the parties ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections. They also sought orders restraining the affected parties from conducting primaries, holding political rallies, sponsoring candidates, or engaging in other political activities pending compliance with constitutional requirements.

Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu upheld the arguments of the plaintiffs and ordered INEC to deregister the five political parties.

The ruling is expected to generate significant reactions within Nigeria’s political space as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially inaugurated its National Campaign Council for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, expressing confidence that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji will secure a resounding re-election victory.

The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja on Wednesday, brought together top leaders of the ruling party, including APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors, members of the National Assembly and other party stakeholders from across the country.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Yilwatda commended Governor Oyebanji’s administration, describing his performance in office as impressive and impactful. He said a recent visit to Ekiti State provided him with the opportunity to assess projects and programmes implemented by the governor.

According to him, the administration has recorded notable achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education and social welfare, earning the governor widespread support among residents of the state.

The APC National Chairman described Oyebanji as one of the party’s strongest candidates and said the large turnout of governors and party leaders at the inauguration reflected the APC’s determination to retain control of Ekiti State.

He also emphasized the party’s extensive grassroots network across the country, noting that women, youths and persons with disabilities had been incorporated into the campaign structure to ensure broad participation in the electioneering process.

Chairman of the National Campaign Council and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, said the APC was setting an ambitious target for the election and was determined to improve significantly on its performance in the 2022 governorship poll.

He recalled that Governor Oyebanji won the last election with 187,557 votes and argued that the governor’s performance over the past three years had strengthened public confidence in his administration.

“Our target is clear. We are aiming for a victory margin of no less than 500,000 votes,” Sani stated.

The Kaduna governor disclosed that campaign structures had already been established in all 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti State to ensure effective grassroots mobilization ahead of the poll.

He also credited the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating opportunities for states to accelerate development and improve governance outcomes.

Sani further noted that the support being extended to Governor Oyebanji by former governors of Ekiti State demonstrated broad confidence in his leadership style and inclusive approach to governance.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji thanked the APC leadership for its support and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people of the state.

He said his administration had remained focused on implementing the social contract signed with Ekiti residents since assuming office and expressed confidence that the party would record an overwhelming victory on June 20.

The governor declared that the APC was capable of securing 500,000 votes in the election and strengthening its political base ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oyebanji also praised the state campaign team led by Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, revealing that more than 10,000 canvassers had already been deployed across the state’s 2,445 polling units to mobilize support for the party.

He commended former governors and party stakeholders in Ekiti State for maintaining unity and working together toward the success of the APC in the forthcoming election.

At the end of the ceremony, Prof. Yilwatda formally inaugurated the National Campaign Council headed by Governor Uba Sani and charged members to work diligently to ensure victory for the party in the governorship election.

Among prominent APC leaders present at the event were Governors Monday Okpebholo, Hope Uzodimma, Dapo Abiodun, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Inuwa Yahaya, Umar Namadi and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alongside other party leaders and stakeholders.