The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution of a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court directed INEC not to take anysuhh action toward the deregistration of the affected parties pending the determination of the substantive appeal filed against the lower court’s decision.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had, on Monday, ordered INEC to deregister ADC, the Accord Party (AP), and three other political parties, citing their alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.
However, the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal faulted the judgment, describing it as a “brazen disregard for the higher court” and an act of “judicial impertinence.”
The ruling effectively suspends any move by INEC to implement the deregistration order until the appeal is heard and determined.
Details shortly......
