By Joy Yesufu
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court that ordered the proscription of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties, ruling that the suit was improperly instituted.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, a three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Abba Bello, held that the Forum of Former Legislators, which initiated the deregistration suit, lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to institute the action.
The court consequently set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu, declaring it null and void.
The appellate court further awarded a cost of N1 million against the Forum of Former Legislators for filing the suit.
The ruling effectively restores the legal position of the affected political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party, pending any further legal action.
The judgment marks a significant development in Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence, particularly on issues relating to the deregistration or proscription of registered political parties.
Further details of the judgment, including the identities of the other affected parties and the court’s detailed reasoning, are expected as the certified copy of the judgment becomes available.
