INEC Appeals Party Deregistration Order Of Court

INEC Appeals Party Deregistration Order Of Court

The Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, has asked the Court of Appeal to stop the enforcement of a judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties.

The move came barely a day after a Federal High Court ruling threatened the legal status of the affected parties ahead of future elections.

Justice Peter Lifu had directed INEC to remove the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party from its register.

The court held that the parties failed to satisfy constitutional conditions required to remain recognised political organisations.

In response, INEC filed an appeal and requested a stay of execution pending the outcome of the appellate process.

The application is expected to prevent any immediate action against the parties while the legal battle continues before the higher court.

The ruling followed a suit brought by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties failed to meet electoral performance requirements.

The decision has generated debate across the political landscape, especially as the ADC has recently become a key platform for opposition figures preparing for the 2027 elections.