The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to seek a stay of execution of a Federal High Court judgement that ordered the deregistration of five political parties. The affected parties are Accord, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Background of the Judgement
On Tuesday, INEC filed the request barely a day after Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court ordered the electoral commission to deregister the parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements. INEC had opposed the suit initially, but the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, supported it.
Implications for Key Politicians
If enforced immediately, the judgement would disqualify former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as ADC's presidential candidate, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke from contesting the 2027 elections. Adeleke, a member of the Accord Party, is seeking re-election in the upcoming governorship poll.
INEC's stay of execution provides temporary relief for these politicians and others relying on the affected parties for the 2027 general elections. The ADC and Accord are central to political realignments ahead of the polls.
Legal Arguments
The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties failed to meet performance thresholds under Section 225(a) of the Nigerian Constitution. The plaintiff claimed they neither secured minimum electoral performance nor won enough elective offices.
Justice Lifu agreed and ordered INEC to remove the parties from its register. However, the judgement sparked controversy as the Court of Appeal had already issued a stay of proceedings in the case.
Reactions from Affected Parties
Both Accord and ADC rejected the ruling and vowed to challenge it. Governor Adeleke described the decision as an abuse of court process, noting that the matter was already at the Court of Appeal. He insisted the Accord Party would remain on the ballot for the Osun governorship election.
The ADC stated it would exhaust all legal avenues to overturn the judgement, arguing it aimed to weaken opposition parties. INEC's decision to seek a stay of execution is expected to be a major factor in the legal battle.
Legal analysts suggest the commission's action indicates the deregistration order may not be implemented immediately until all judicial processes are exhausted. The appeal proceedings will determine whether the affected parties retain their registration status as preparations for future elections intensify.
