Court of Appeal

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution on a Federal High Court judgment that deregistered five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

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

In its ruling, the appellate court suspended the enforcement of the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, effectively restoring the status quo pending the determination of issues before it.

The panel of justices strongly criticised the actions of the trial court, describing the development as a serious affront to judicial authority and procedure.

According to the appellate court, Justice Lifu proceeded to hear and determine the matter despite an earlier order issued by the Court of Appeal and the subsisting pendency of the case before it.

The justices held that the lower court\'s action amounted to a disregard for established judicial hierarchy, noting that courts are bound to respect and comply with orders issued by superior courts.

The appellate court further described the situation as an example of judicial overreach, stressing that the trial judge ought to have refrained from taking further action while the matter remained before the appellate court.

Consequently, the court granted an order staying the execution of the judgment, thereby putting on hold the deregistration of the affected political parties until the legal issues surrounding the case are fully resolved.

The ruling marks a significant reprieve for the parties involved, preserving their legal status and political activities pending the outcome of the appeal.