Nigeria's Court of Appeal has nullified a Federal High Court ruling that had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister Accord and four other political parties. The appellate court's decision, delivered on Monday, July 28, 2026, was hailed by the Accord Party as a triumph for democracy, the rule of law, and due process.
Background of the Legal Battle
The original suit was filed by a group described by Accord as former legislators who, according to the party, lacked legal standing to institute the case. Accord argued that it met all registration requirements and had won elections that were properly documented and presented before the court. The party characterized the lawsuit as "frivolous, spurious and defective."
Following the Federal High Court's adverse ruling, Accord appealed. The Court of Appeal granted a stay of proceedings on May 22, 2026, followed by a stay of execution of the lower court's order on June 16, 2026. The final ruling on July 28 completely nullified the earlier judgment.
Alleged Plot Against Osun Governor
Accord's National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, issued a press release asserting that the lawsuit was deliberately designed to prevent Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke from participating in the August 15 gubernatorial election in the state. Mgbudem stated, "The way this grand judicial plot failed, is the way the opposition in Osun State will also fail, as the party will again emerge victorious in the polls."
Mgbudem criticized the Federal High Court judge, Justice Peter Lifu, accusing him of "judicial recklessness." He thanked Nigerians who, he said, set aside political differences to condemn the original ruling.
Party's Growing National Appeal
The Accord chairman said the party's expanding national appeal has made it a target for what he termed "unpatriotic elements," particularly in Osun State, which he identified as Accord's stronghold. He described the collapsed legal challenge as a sign of things to come for the opposition in Osun.
Earlier Endorsement of President Tinubu
In a related development, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Accord's national leadership had earlier endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The endorsement followed a meeting on July 25 in Osogbo, the Osun state capital, involving the governor and top party officials, according to lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, a key ally of Governor Adeleke.
