The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the Federal High Court order directing INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties.

In a unanimous judgment on Monday, a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed declared the June 15 Federal High Court ruling a nullity.

The court held that the suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, NFFL, was incompetent because NFFL is a non-juristic entity. It also ruled that the lower court lacked jurisdiction and ignored an earlier order to stay proceedings.

The panel described the action of the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, as “judicial impertinence” for delivering judgment despite the stay order.

The court ruled that ADC, APP, AA, Accord, and ZLP remain duly registered and awarded costs against NFFL.

The Federal High Court had earlier ordered INEC to deregister the parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional performance requirements ahead of 2027.