BREAKING: INEC Takes Legal Step Over ADC Deregistration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has petitioned the Abuja court of appeals to halt the implementation of a ruling that mandated the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

In a judgement on Monday, Peter Lifu, a federal high court judge, ordered the deregistration of ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) over their failure to meet the conditions for retaining their registration.

During Tuesday’s proceedings before a three-member panel of the appellate court, INEC’s legal team expressed surprise that Justice Peter Lifu proceeded to deliver the judgment despite an earlier order issued by the Court of Appeal on May 22, which the commission said was meant to halt the delivery of the verdict.

INEC added that it only learned of the decision through media reports and was not formally informed of the ruling. The commission informed the court that it supported the affected political parties’ notice of appeal.

Meanwhile, counsel to the parties argued that the Federal High Court had disregarded the judicial hierarchy and warned that the judgment could disrupt the conduct of the June 20 by-elections in six states.

Consequently, they urged the Court of Appeal to exercise its supervisory powers and immediately stay the enforcement of the judgment pending the determination of the appeal.

BACKSTORY…

Recall that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja earlier ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

The court further directed INEC to deregister the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators.