The Inter-Party Advisory Council on Tuesday hailed the Court of Appeal for setting aside the judgment of the Federal High Court that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress and four other political parties, describing the verdict as a courageous reaffirmation of constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria also renewed its call on the National Judicial Council to investigate judicial officers whose judgments are inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, saying such decisions have the potential to trigger constitutional crises and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
IPAC’s reaction came hours after the ADC also demanded disciplinary action against Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following the appellate court’s decision nullifying his judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five political parties.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, said the appellate court’s verdict restored confidence in the judiciary and reinforced constitutional guarantees of political participation and freedom of association.
He said, “The appellate court’s decision is a courageous reaffirmation of constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the sanctity of Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
“It restores confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and demonstrates that the constitutional guarantees of political participation and freedom of association remain protected under our democratic order.”
According to the council, the judgment has reassured Nigerians that democratic institutions remain capable of protecting constitutional rights despite occasional judicial missteps.
“This judgment reinforces the confidence of patriotic stakeholders in the Nigerian project and assures citizens that all hope is not lost in our collective quest to build a just, democratic, and inclusive nation governed by the rule of law,” he said.
IPAC said it had consistently maintained that democracy could only thrive where constitutional provisions were respected and judicial decisions strictly reflected the law.
“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC has consistently maintained that democracy can only flourish where constitutional provisions are respected and judicial pronouncements are anchored strictly on the law rather than on extraneous considerations.
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“The Court of Appeal has once again demonstrated the indispensable role of the appellate courts in safeguarding constitutionalism and correcting judicial errors capable of undermining democratic institutions,” he stated.
While applauding the appellate court justices, Martins reiterated its appeal to the National Judicial Council to intensify efforts to sanitise the judiciary by investigating judgments that contradict constitutional provisions.
The council argued that holding judicial officers accountable for decisions capable of generating political instability would strengthen confidence in the administration of justice.
IPAC further stressed that judicial independence must be matched by accountability and fidelity to the Constitution.
“The judiciary remains one of the most sacred institutions of our democracy. Its independence must be preserved, but with that independence comes the equally important responsibility of accountability, fidelity to the Constitution, and unwavering commitment to justice.
“IPAC therefore urges all stakeholders to remain steadfast in defending democratic values, respecting constitutional institutions, and supporting reforms that will further strengthen the integrity, credibility, and efficiency of Nigeria’s justice delivery system.
“Together, we can continue to deepen democracy and build a nation where justice, equity, and the rule of law prevail,” Martins added.
The commendation followed Tuesday’s unanimous judgment of the Court of Appeal, which nullified the Federal High Court ruling directing INEC to deregister the ADC, Action Alliance, Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party and Action Peoples Party.
The appellate court held that the lower court lacked jurisdiction because the suit was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which it found was not a juristic person with the legal capacity to sue. It further ruled that there was no competent suit before the trial court to justify the order directing INEC to deregister the political parties.
The court also faulted the Federal High Court for proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order directing it to stay proceedings pending the determination of an appeal, thereby restoring the legal status of all the affected political parties.
