The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Accord Party and three other political parties.
In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court held that the Forum of Former Legislators, which instituted the suit, lacked the legal standing to challenge the registration of the affected political parties.
The three member panel, led by Justice Abba Bello, ruled that the group had no locus standi to file the action, rendering the proceedings before the Federal High Court incompetent.
The appellate court consequently nullified and set aside the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court, effectively restoring the legal status of the affected political parties.
The court also awarded costs of N1 million against the Forum of Former Legislators for instituting the suit.
Further details of the judgment are expected to emerge.
