The Accord Party has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision restoring it and four other political parties to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) register.
The party described the judgment as a victory for democracy, the rule of law and due process.
Mgbudem praises judgment
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, Accord National Chairman Maxwell Mgbudem said the ruling restored confidence in the judiciary.
He also said the judgment reaffirmed the constitutional principles guiding Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
According to him, the verdict showed that democratic institutions can withstand attempts to weaken constitutional governance.
“The appellate court verdict is a victory for democracy, the rule of law and due process. It has restored sanity in the ongoing electoral process and justified the confidence Nigerians reposed in the judiciary as the temple of justice and the last hope of all aggrieved citizens.”
Mgbudem added that the ruling would encourage Nigerians to continue defending democracy.
“The Court of Appeal ruling is indeed sweet music in the ears of all lovers of representative governance in Nigeria. It is also a powerful signal that anti-democratic and reactionary forces will be defeated if citizens stand up for their rights to democratic participation.”
Party recalls appeal
Mgbudem said Accord challenged the case before the Court of Appeal even before the Federal High Court delivered its judgment.
He also thanked Nigerians who criticised the earlier ruling. Furthermore, he pledged that the party would continue promoting democratic governance.
Five parties retain registration
On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal overturned the Federal High Court’s order directing INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Action Peoples Party (APP).
The appellate court held that the National Forum of Former Legislators lacked the legal capacity to file the suit. Therefore, it ruled that the Federal High Court had no valid case before it. The court also faulted the trial judge for continuing the proceedings despite an earlier stay-of-proceedings order.
Consequently, the Court of Appeal restored the legal status of all five political parties.
Read also: Appeal Court overturns order directing INEC to deregister ADC, four other parties
