Court of Appeal Reserves Judgment on Political Party Deregistrations

The Court of Appeal of Nigeria in Abuja reserved judgment on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, regarding appeals to nullify a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five political parties. The affected groups are the African Democratic Congress, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court originally ordered the deregistration after a lawsuit by the National Forum of Former Legislators. The plaintiffs, supported by Attorney General Prince Lateef Fagbemi, argued the parties failed to meet constitutional performance thresholds, such as securing at least one elective seat or winning 25% of votes in a state during a presidential election. The lower court's ruling further barred these parties from participating in the 2027 general elections.

The appellate court previously stayed the execution of the judgment on June 16. The three-member panel, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, criticized Justice Lifu's conduct as "a form of judicial impertinence" because he delivered the judgment despite a prior order to stay proceedings. All defendants, including the electoral commission, are now seeking to set aside the lower court's decision.