The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution of a Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

In a unanimous ruling delivered on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed faulted the decision of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court for proceeding to deliver judgment despite an earlier order of the appellate court directing him to suspend proceedings.

The appellate court described the action as a serious breach of judicial hierarchy and constitutional provisions, stating that proceeding with the judgment in defiance of its May 22 order amounted to “the highest form of judicial impertinence.”

Citing a Supreme Court precedent, the panel noted that such conduct had previously been described as “judicial rascality” and evidence that a judge was unfit for the bench.

The court stressed its responsibility to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and ensure compliance with its directives, ruling that enforcement of the judgment be suspended pending the determination of the appeal.

During the proceedings, INEC’s counsel, Haliru Mohammed, told the court that the commission was surprised by the lower court’s decision to deliver the judgment despite the appellate court’s restraining order. He added that INEC only became aware of the ruling through media reports and had received no official notification from the court.