The Media Office of presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed a Court of Appeal judgment that overturned a Federal High Court ruling which sought the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Office described the judgment as a major victory for democracy and the rule of law. It praised the Appeal Court justices for what it called their commitment to justice and the Constitution.
According to the statement, the judgment, together with an earlier Federal High Court ruling that upheld the election of Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee of the ADC, has cleared the way for the party to take part in the 2027 general elections.
The media office said there is now no court case challenging the party’s leadership, allowing the ADC to focus on preparations for the next election.
It explained that the Court of Appeal ruled that the Federal High Court judgment delivered on 15 June was invalid because it was given despite an existing order from the Appeal Court. The court also held that those who filed the case had no legal right to do so, describing their claims as speculative and without legal backing.
The statement added that the Appeal Court clarified the interpretation of Section 225A of the Constitution, saying the case was filed too early because election processes in Osun and Ekiti states were still ongoing at the time.
The media office also said the Appeal Court criticised the lower court for ignoring evidence from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed that the ADC and the other affected political parties had met all constitutional and legal requirements.
It argued that the trial court had no reason to create additional conditions after accepting INEC’s evidence, describing the lower court’s decision as flawed.
The statement described the Appeal Court judgment as not only a victory for the ADC but also for Nigeria’s democracy. It said political contests should be decided by voters at the ballot box rather than through court cases aimed at removing opposition parties.
The Atiku Media Office also urged political actors to avoid using the courts to weaken democratic competition, warning that such actions could damage public confidence in the country’s institutions.
It expressed appreciation to the Court of Appeal justices, saying their decision had strengthened confidence in the judiciary and reaffirmed the importance of the rule of law ahead of the 2027 general elections.
