ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Court of Appeal on Tuesday, 16 June, 2026 has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend the execution of a Federal High Court judgment directing the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties.
In a unanimous decision delivered on Tuesday by a three-member panel, the appellate court set aside the order issued by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, holding that the trial court acted contrary to established principles of judicial hierarchy and precedent by proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order staying proceedings.
The appeal was filed by the Accord Party, which challenged the Federal High Court’s ruling of April 27 that refused its application for joinder in a suit instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. The suit sought the deregistration of several political parties on the grounds that they allegedly failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.
During proceedings before the Court of Appeal, counsel for the respondents urged the appellate court to invoke its disciplinary powers against the trial judge, arguing that the court’s actions amounted to a disregard of the appellate court’s prior directives.
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal faulted the decision of the lower court to continue with the proceedings and subsequently deliver judgment while issues relating to the stay order remained unresolved.
The parties affected by the deregistration order include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The political parties had expressed concerns that the Federal High Court’s judgment could jeopardize their participation in upcoming electoral contests, including by-elections scheduled for June 20 in various senatorial and federal constituencies, as well as the off-cycle Ekiti State governorship election.
The Court of Appeal’s order staying execution of the judgment provides temporary relief to the affected parties pending the determination of the substantive appeal.
INEC is also reported to have supported applications seeking a stay of execution, pending the resolution of the legal dispute.
The development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of future elections, with the affected parties maintaining that they continue to satisfy the constitutional and statutory requirements for registration and participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Further proceedings in the appeal are expected in the coming weeks as the court considers the substantive issues raised by the parties.
