…Describes ruling as invitation to Anarchy
…seeks sanction of judge
By Mercy Gadia
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, on Monday faulted a Federal High Court judgment in Abuja ordering the deregistration of five political parties, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The suit was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking enforcement of provisions requiring the delisting of parties allegedly not meeting constitutional thresholds.
Reacting in an interview in Abuja, Ugochinyere described the ruling as dangerous and capable of destabilising Nigeria’s democratic order.
“This judgment is an invitation to anarchy. Political parties cannot be wiped out in a democracy,” he said.
He insisted the affected parties remained validly registered, arguing that earlier judicial decisions had already clarified the constitutional requirements for political party registration under Section 225A.
Ugochinyere said INEC had informed the court that some of the affected parties had recorded electoral victories at various levels, including National Assembly and state elections.
He claimed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) won two House of Representatives seats in Kogi State, while APP secured a local government chairmanship in Jigawa State. He added that the Accord Party also won a seat in the Imo State House of Assembly.
He faulted the ruling, insisting it ignored established judicial precedents and findings presented before the court.
According to him, there was also a subsisting Court of Appeal order staying proceedings in the matter before the judgment was delivered.
He called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently review the circumstances surrounding the ruling, and urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to defend the integrity of the judiciary.
“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. If superior court orders can be disregarded, democracy is in danger,” he said.
Ugochinyere maintained that APP and the affected parties would continue political activities despite the judgment.
He said they would also explore legal remedies while preparing for future elections.
He warned against what he described as attempts to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Democracy is about participation, not exclusion. Let all parties compete and let Nigerians decide,” he said.
The lawmaker added that Nigeria’s democracy had been built through years of struggle and must not be undermined by actions capable of triggering political instability.
He urged judicial authorities and stakeholders to act swiftly to safeguard public confidence in the electoral and justice systems.