BREAKING: Appeal Court Restores ADC, Accord Party, APP, AA and ZLP, Overturns Deregistration Order Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has restored the registrations of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) after setting aside a Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister them.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed declared the June 15, 2026, decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja a nullity, holding that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit that led to the deregistration order.

The appellate court ruled that there was no valid legal action before the Federal High Court to justify the judgment, effectively restoring the five political parties as duly registered entities eligible to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The judgment marks a significant legal victory for the affected parties, which had challenged the lower court’s decision after it barred them from participating in future elections, including preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The political parties whose registrations have now been restored are:

• African Democratic Congress (ADC)
• Accord Party
• Action Peoples Party (APP)
• Action Alliance (AA)
• Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had, on June 15, 2026, ordered INEC to deregister the five parties, citing their alleged failure to satisfy constitutional requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The lower court also restrained INEC from recognizing the parties or accepting candidates nominated by them for future elections pending compliance with its judgment.

However, the Court of Appeal found that the suit itself was fundamentally defective.

According to the appellate court, the case was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which it held is not a juristic person and therefore lacks the legal capacity to institute court proceedings.

The appellate court concluded that because the claimant had no legal standing, the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter or issue orders affecting the legal status of the political parties.

In a strongly worded observation, the Court of Appeal also faulted the Federal High Court for proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order directing that proceedings be stayed, describing the action as “judicial impertinence.”

The appellate panel subsequently allowed the appeals filed by the five political parties, nullified the Federal High Court’s judgment in its entirety, and awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators.

With the ruling, the affected parties remain legally recognized by INEC and are entitled to continue their political activities, sponsor candidates, and participate in future elections, including the 2027 general elections, subject to compliance with Nigeria’s electoral laws.

The judgment is being viewed by legal analysts and political observers as a major affirmation of the rule of law, judicial due process, and Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.

The decision also provides clarity for political stakeholders ahead of the build-up to the 2027 elections, ensuring that the five parties retain their legal status unless otherwise determined through a competent legal process.

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