The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution on a Federal High Court judgment directing the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pending the determination of appeals against the ruling.
The appellate court suspended the enforcement of the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In a strongly worded ruling, the Court of Appeal criticised the actions of the trial court, accusing Justice Lifu of proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order from the appellate court and the fact that the case was already pending before it.
The appellate court described the development as a serious violation of judicial procedure and the hierarchy of courts, stating that the lower court ought not to have continued with the proceedings under the circumstances.
According to the panel of justices, the trial judge’s decision to hear and determine the matter despite the appellate court’s directive amounted to judicial misconduct and undermined the authority of superior courts.
The court held that the action represented “the highest form of judicial impertinence” and cited previous decisions of the Supreme Court condemning such conduct.
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of courts and the 1999 Constitution,” the appellate court stated.
The justices further emphasised that the Court of Appeal has a responsibility to ensure compliance with its orders and preserve the integrity of the judicial process.
READ ALSO: INEC Seeks Suspension Of Judgment Banning ADC, Four Others
Consequently, the court granted the application for a stay of execution and ordered that enforcement of the Federal High Court judgment be suspended pending the resolution of the appeal.
“The application for a stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the court ruled.
Justice Lifu had earlier directed INEC to deregister the five political parties on the grounds that they failed to satisfy constitutional requirements necessary for their continued existence and participation in future elections.
The ruling had generated significant political and legal debate, particularly regarding its implications for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
With the latest decision of the Court of Appeal, the affected parties will retain their legal status for now, pending the final determination of the appeal challenging the deregistration order.