…say ruling against ADC, APP and others undermines democracy
…insists superior court decisions have already settled the matter
By Gloria Ikibah 
The National Leader of the Action Peoples Party (APP) and member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has strongly criticised a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties, describing the decision as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic system and the rule of law.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in 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), following a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking their removal from the register of political parties maintained by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Reacting to the ruling in Abuja on Monday, Ugochinyere argued that the judgment was inconsistent with existing judicial precedents and warned that its implementation could have far-reaching consequences for democratic participation in the country.
The lawmaker maintained that the affected parties remained legally recognised political platforms and would continue to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process. According to him, several court decisions, including judgments of the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, had already clarified the constitutional conditions under which political parties could retain their registration.
He contended that parties which had won elective offices at various levels of government had met the requirements stipulated under Section 225A of the Constitution and could not be lawfully deregistered.
Ugochinyere further alleged that INEC itself had informed the court that the affected parties had secured electoral victories sufficient to satisfy constitutional thresholds.
“Our nation cannot be allowed to degenerate to that level. This judgment is an invitation to anarchy. Political parties cannot simply be wiped out in a democracy because that is not what democracy represents.
“INEC itself told the court that these parties met the constitutional requirements. Yet the judgment proceeded regardless. That is why many Nigerians are worried about the implications for democracy and the rule of law,” he stated.
The APP leader also accused the trial judge of proceeding with the matter despite the existence of a Court of Appeal order staying proceedings pending the determination of an appeal connected to the case.
According to him, legal representatives were notified at short notice for the delivery of judgment even though appellate proceedings were still ongoing.
Describing the development as troubling, Ugochinyere called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the judgment and determine whether disciplinary measures were warranted.
He also urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to intervene in defence of judicial integrity, warning that public confidence in the courts could be weakened if allegations of disregard for superior court rulings were not properly addressed.
“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. If judgments of superior courts can be ignored, then we are endangering one of the most important institutions of our democracy,” he said.
The federal lawmaker insisted that neither APP nor the other affected political parties would suspend their political activities as a result of the judgment. Rather, he said, they would continue preparations for future elections while pursuing all available legal remedies.
He also warned against efforts to shrink Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that voters should be allowed to choose freely from a wide range of political alternatives.
“Let all political parties participate and let Nigerians decide who they want. Democracy is about participation and competition, not exclusion,” he said.
Ugochinyere added that Nigeria’s democratic history had been shaped by sustained struggles against authoritarian tendencies and cautioned against actions capable of reopening old political wounds or undermining confidence in democratic institutions.
He called on judicial authorities, members of the legal profession and other democratic stakeholders to act swiftly to protect the credibility of the electoral process and preserve public trust in the nation’s constitutional order.
