The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Court of Appeal in Abuja to suspend the enforcement of a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
The affected parties also include the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), all of which are challenging the judgment.
At Tuesday’s sitting before a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, INEC’s legal representatives argued that the commission was taken by surprise by the lower court’s decision, insisting that it was delivered despite an earlier appellate order which, according to them, had restrained the ruling from being issued at that time.
The commission also told the court that it was not formally notified of the judgment and only became aware of it through media reports. It added that it supports the appeal filed by the affected political parties and is seeking a stay of execution pending the outcome of the case.
Counsel to the appellants further argued that the Federal High Court acted contrary to judicial procedure, warning that immediate enforcement of the ruling could disrupt upcoming by-elections scheduled in several states.
They urged the appellate court to intervene urgently, suspend the judgment, and preserve the status quo until the substantive appeal is determined.
The legal dispute originated from a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for maintaining registration under relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
The case continues as the Court of Appeal considers whether to halt the deregistration order pending a final decision.
