Court of Appeal restores registration of ADC, four others

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties. The appellate court ruled that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case and declared its judgment a nullity.

In a unanimous decision by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, the court held that the suit was filed by a non-juristic entity and should have been dismissed. It also found that the trial court failed to properly consider evidence showing some of the affected parties had won elective seats.

The ruling restores the registration of the ADC, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party. The court also awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators, which filed the suit.

Also read: Search efforts continue for victims of building collapse in Anambra State