Appeal Court Overrules High Court Ruling Asking INEC To Derecognize ADC, Accord Party, 3 Others…Calls It ‘Judicial Impertinence’
The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Tuesday overruled the Federal High Court which had a few weeks ago ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to derecognize the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the three-member panel headed by Justice Abba Mohammed in their ruling submitted that the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja on June 15, 2026, was delivered without jurisdiction.
The appellate court held that Justice Peter Lifu wrongly assumed jurisdiction and made the order on an incompetent suit filed by a non-juristic entity while adding that the Federal High Court also failed to properly evaluate the evidence before it.
They noted that evidence showing the parties had won various elective positions in previous elections was ignored.
It also held that the lower court acted in defiance of an order directing it to stay proceedings pending the determination of an interlocutory appeal.
The appellate court consequently held that the Federal High Court ought to have dismissed the substantive suit for want of jurisdiction and merit while declaring and asserting that all the affected political parties remain duly recognized.
The panel also faulted the conduct of Justice Peter Lifu and said he was wrong to have continued with the case despite an earlier order directing him to stay proceedings pending the outcome of the appeal on May 22.
They described this as ‘a form of judicial impertinence’ adding that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acts in such a manner ‘is unfit for the bench’-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
