Appeal Court upholds APP's legal status, hails victory for Nigeria's democracy

The Appeal Court on Tuesday nullified the Federal High Court's June 15, 2026 judgment that had sought to deregister the Action Peoples Party (APP) and other opposition parties. The three-member panel, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, ruled that the suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) was incompetent because the NFFL is not a juristic person and therefore lacks the legal capacity to sue. Consequently, the court said there was no valid suit before the Federal High Court on which an order directing INEC to deregister the parties could stand, upholding APP's legal status nationwide.

APP chieftain Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi hailed the ruling as a resounding victory for democracy, the rule of law and the collective resolve of millions of Nigerians who desire a political environment where justice prevails over intimidation. He said the judgment restores public confidence in the judiciary, affirms that justice must be anchored on law and due process, and urged all political actors to respect court pronouncements and compete on ideas, integrity and service rather than hostility or needless litigation.

The decision means APP remains a registered political party and can continue its activities, including Amadi's senatorial bid for Imo East (Owerri zone) in the 2027 elections. Nigerians can take confidence that courts will block legally baseless attempts to deregister parties. Will this judgment deter future attempts to deregister opposition parties through legally dubious suits, or will opponents look for new legal avenues to challenge party registrations?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/29/appeal-court-judgement-saved-nigerias-democracy-app-chieftain-amadi/