The Court of Appeal has overturned the judgment of the Federal High Court that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The other parties affected are the Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, the appellate court declared the Federal High Court’s decision “null and void.”

The court held that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit and described its actions as “judicial impertinence” and “judicial insubordination,” noting that it proceeded to deliver judgment despite an earlier Court of Appeal order staying all proceedings, including the delivery of judgment.

The appellate court also ruled that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to institute the action, setting aside the Federal High Court’s judgment in its entirety.

The ruling effectively restores the legal status of the five political parties.