The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision overturning the judgment ordering its deregistration, claiming the appellate court found that the trial judge relied on fabricated evidence in reaching the earlier decision.
The Court of Appeal’s unanimous judgment set aside the Federal High Court ruling that sought to deregister the ADC and four other political parties, affirming that the party remains legally recognised under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
Reacting to the ruling, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the judgment vindicated the party’s long-standing position that the case lacked legal merit and was not supported by credible evidence.
“The ADC also considers as extraordinary the finding by the Court of Appeal that Justice Peter Lifu concocted evidence in resolving the dispute in favour of the plaintiff,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the party believes the finding raises serious concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.
According to the ADC, the Court of Appeal also ruled that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the suit because they failed to prove any personal legal interest beyond speculative claims.
The party said the appellate court further accepted unchallenged evidence presented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed that the ADC had complied with all constitutional and legal requirements for its continued existence.
The judgment also addressed the status of the party’s elected representatives.
According to Abdullahi, the appellate court rejected the lower court’s conclusion that ADC lawmakers had defected to another political party, ruling that no evidence was presented to support such a claim despite affidavit evidence showing the party had elected representatives, including three members from Kogi State.
The ADC also recalled that the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), later joined the suit seeking the deregistration of the party and four others, arguing that they no longer met constitutional requirements for recognition.
However, the party said the Court of Appeal faulted the trial court’s interpretation of the Constitution and concluded that the ADC remained qualified to operate as a political party.
“The Court of Appeal therefore concluded that the African Democratic Congress satisfies the constitutional threshold for recognition as a political party and remains fully entitled to continue its political activities under the Constitution and the Electoral Act,” Abdullahi stated.
Describing the ruling as a victory for the rule of law, the ADC said the judgment reaffirmed that courts must base their decisions on credible evidence and act within the limits of the Constitution.
The party added that it would continue strengthening its structures and offering Nigerians what it described as a credible political alternative ahead of future elections.
