The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution on the Federal High Court judgment that directed the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The appellate court’s decision temporarily suspends the implementation of the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In a strongly worded ruling delivered on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal criticised the conduct of the trial court, accusing Justice Lifu of proceeding with the matter despite an existing order from the appellate court and the pendency of related proceedings.
The appellate panel described the action as a violation of judicial hierarchy and constitutional principles governing the administration of justice.
According to the court, the trial judge acted contrary to established legal procedures by delivering judgment while issues relating to the case were still before the Court of Appeal.
The justices stated that the lower court’s decision amounted to what they described as “the highest form of judicial impertinence.”
The panel further held that Justice Lifu exhibited what it termed judicial rascality by continuing with the hearing and delivering judgment despite an order already issued by the appellate court.
The court emphasized that lower courts are bound by the authority and directives of superior courts and must respect the judicial hierarchy established under the Constitution.
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. 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 the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the appellate court held.
The court added that it had a duty to ensure compliance with its orders and safeguard the integrity of the judicial system.
Consequently, the Court of Appeal granted the application for a stay of execution and suspended the enforcement of the judgment pending further legal proceedings.
“The application for a stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the court ruled.
The development comes barely a day after the Federal High Court ordered INEC to deregister the five political parties on the grounds that they allegedly failed to satisfy constitutional requirements necessary for their continued existence and participation in elections.
Justice Lifu had ruled that the affected parties did not meet the constitutional threshold required to maintain their status as registered political parties.
The ruling generated widespread reactions across the political landscape, with several opposition figures expressing concerns about its potential impact on Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
With the Court of Appeal’s intervention, the affected political parties will retain their legal status for now while the substantive issues surrounding the case continue through the judicial process.
The latest decision also means that INEC cannot proceed with any deregistration action against the parties until the appeal is fully determined.
The case is expected to remain a major legal and political issue as preparations gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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