Nigerian Court of Appeal reprimands judge over party deregistration

Nigeria's Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, issued a judgment rebuking Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court for ignoring a stay order on the deregistration of five political parties – the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party. The judge had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional performance thresholds, a decision later stayed by the Appeal Court.

The Appeal Court described Lifu's conduct as "judicial impertinence" and "judicial insubordination," emphasizing the need to respect its orders. The ruling arose from a suit brought by the parties and the National Forum of Former Legislators, who argued that the parties' poor performance in the 2023 general elections and subsequent by‑elections disqualified them from continued registration under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.