The Court of Appeal in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of an appeal filed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties challenging their deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The adjournment was announced on Tuesday, with the court setting a new date for the hearing.
Background of the Deregistration
INEC had deregistered the ADC and several other political parties in February 2020, citing their failure to win any elective positions in the 2019 general elections as required by the Fourth Alteration to the 1999 Constitution. The commission stated that the parties did not meet the constitutional threshold of winning at least one ward chairmanship seat or one councillorship seat to remain registered.
The Appeal and Court Proceedings
The affected parties, including the ADC, filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking to overturn the deregistration. During the proceedings on Tuesday, the court was informed that the parties had not yet filed their briefs of argument. Consequently, the presiding judge, Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur, adjourned the matter to a later date to allow the parties to file their necessary documents.
According to the court registrar, the new hearing date will be communicated to the parties after consultation with the presiding judge. The appeal is expected to be heard by a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal.
INEC's Position and Legal Basis
INEC, through its counsel, argued that the deregistration was conducted in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act. The commission maintained that the parties failed to meet the requirements for continued registration, as they did not secure any elective positions in the 2019 elections. INEC also noted that the parties were given ample opportunity to present their case before the decision was made.
Impact on the Political Landscape
The deregistration of the ADC and other political parties has significantly reduced the number of registered political parties in Nigeria from 91 to 18. This move has been controversial, with critics arguing that it stifles political diversity and limits the options available to voters. Supporters of the deregistration, however, contend that it helps streamline the political system and ensures that only viable parties participate in elections.
The ADC, which was one of the larger opposition parties, has vowed to continue its legal battle to regain its registered status. The party's leadership has expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal will rule in their favor, citing procedural errors in INEC's deregistration process.
Next Steps
The Court of Appeal has yet to announce the new hearing date. Legal experts expect the case to be heard within the next few months, given the significance of the matter to the country's electoral process. The outcome of the appeal could have far-reaching implications for the Nigerian political system, potentially affecting the registration status of other parties and shaping the landscape for future elections.
