Court of Appeal rules in favor of APP legal status, overturning deregistration suit

A chieftain of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, has praised the Court of Appeal’s ruling affirming the legal status of his party, describing it as a major victory for Nigeria’s democracy. Amadi stated that the judgment has reinforced the rule of law and protected the democratic rights of political parties and citizens against attempts to undermine them. He emphasized that the victory belongs not just to the APP but to all Nigerians who value a political system guided by justice, due process, and constitutional principles rather than intimidation or manipulation. In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Cajetan Duke, Amadi noted that the ruling has ended unnecessary legal distractions and uncertainties allegedly created by the ruling party against opposition groups. The Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision delivered on Tuesday by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, overturned the Federal High Court judgment of June 15, 2026. The appellate court ruled that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit, which was filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) seeking the deregistration of the APP and other opposition parties. The Appeal Court held that the NFFL is not a juristic person and therefore lacked the legal capacity to institute the action. As a result, there was no competent suit before the Federal High Court to support any order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the affected parties. Amadi, who is the APP’s Senatorial candidate for Imo East (Owerri Zone) in the 2027 elections, commended the judiciary for its courage, independence, and commitment to the constitution. He said the decision has strengthened public confidence in the judicial system. He urged all political actors to respect court rulings and focus on healthy democratic competition based on ideas, integrity, and service to the people, rather than hostility or frivolous litigation. Amadi stressed that democracy thrives only when the rule of law is upheld and the judiciary remains independent. The ruling is part of broader appeals involving several opposition parties facing potential deregistration.

A chieftain of Action Peoples Party, APP, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi has hailed the Appeal Court ruling affirming the legal status of the party. He described the decision as a resounding victory for democracy, rule of law and the collective resolve of millions of Nigerians. Amadi noted that the judgment has once again reaffirmed the […] Appeal Court judgement saved Nigeria’s democracy – APP chieftain, Amadi