The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the Federal High Court, Abuja judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The group described the ruling as a grave threat to constitutional democracy and Nigeria's multiparty system.
HURIWA's Concerns Over the Judgment
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed alarm that the judgment was reportedly delivered despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order for a stay of proceedings pending an appeal. The association argued that if the reported circumstances are true, it amounts to a constitutional infraction and a violation of the doctrine of judicial hierarchy.
HURIWA noted that proceedings allegedly continued to conclusion despite the appellate court order being brought to the trial court's attention. This, the group said, could have significant implications for Nigeria's political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Questions on Judicial Neutrality
The association highlighted that controversies involving politically sensitive disputes before the Federal High Court continue to raise concerns about the neutrality and independence of certain judicial interventions in opposition party matters. It recalled that the Court of Appeal had previously cautioned against judicial overreach in internal party disputes, citing a case from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis where the appellate court set aside a Federal High Court judgment and reaffirmed that courts should not determine political leadership outcomes outside constitutional and evidential boundaries.
HURIWA also referenced the appellate court's position that oral evidence cannot contradict, alter, or vary the contents of a valid document, stressing that documentary evidence remains decisive when clear and unchallenged.
Contradictory Court Outcomes
The group expressed concern over what it described as contradictory outcomes from lower courts, which raise questions about consistency, adherence to precedent, and respect for binding appellate authority. It referred to arguments by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and other stakeholders regarding judicial pronouncements affirming the legality and registration status of the Action Peoples Party (APP), as well as previous appellate and Supreme Court decisions underscoring the legal standing of registered political parties under Nigerian law.
Describing the judgment as a legal aberration dangerous to constitutional governance, HURIWA questioned why the trial court proceeded when the Court of Appeal was already handling the case and had fixed a hearing date. It warned that judicial actions targeting opposition parties ahead of elections could erode public confidence in the judiciary, heighten political tension, and weaken democratic institutions.
Call for NJC Investigation
HURIWA called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the judgment and take steps to safeguard the integrity, independence, and credibility of the judiciary. It also urged the Court of Appeal and other superior courts to ensure judicial discipline is maintained and appellate orders are respected in all legal proceedings.
The association maintained that democracy can only thrive where justice remains consistent, impartial, and free from political influence.
