The governorship candidates of the Accord Party, Professor Jerome Nyameh, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Abubakar Tutare, in Taraba State have dismissed concerns over a Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of both parties, alongside three others, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ruling followed a judgment delivered on Monday in Abuja by Justice Peter Lifu, directing INEC to deregister the affected political parties over alleged failure to comply with statutory requirements.
However, both candidates insisted that the judgment does not mark the end of their parties’ existence, stressing that the matter is still subject to appeal at higher courts.
Reacting to the ruling, Accord Party candidate, Professor Nyameh, described it as a trial court decision, noting that it can still be challenged at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
He urged supporters to remain calm, expressing confidence in the continued relevance of the Accord Party, which he said remains active and viable politically.
Nyameh also pointed to the presence of prominent political figures within the party structure, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, as evidence of its continued strength.
On his part, ADC governorship candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Tutare, also dismissed fears that the ruling would weaken or dissolve the party.
He said the ADC remains a valid political platform, citing its representation in the House of Representatives as proof of its continued political and legal standing.
Tutare expressed confidence that the party would prevail if the matter eventually reaches the Supreme Court, urging supporters not to panic.
“We are not worried. We believe the Supreme Court will do justice in the end,” he said.
Both candidates called on their supporters in Taraba State to remain focused on political activities while awaiting further legal clarification on the matter.
BACKSTORY…
The controversy began after a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja ordered the deregistration of some political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The decision has since triggered reactions in Taraba State, where political stakeholders argue that the move could affect political participation and party representation ahead of future elections. Critics and party leaders are now pushing back, questioning the legality and fairness of the court’s directive and its implementation by INEC.
