Political Party Defies Deregistration Verdict: APP Stands Strong Amid Legal Battles!

The Action People’s Party (APP) has firmly asserted its continued legal recognition as a political party, maintaining its eligibility to contest in the 2027 general election. This stance comes in response to public discussions sparked by a recent Federal High Court judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, which ordered the deregistration of five political parties. Despite the controversy generated by this ruling, the APP and various legal experts argue that the judgment does not impact the party’s standing, citing a history of decisions by higher courts that have consistently affirmed its registration and legal validity.

According to available court records, the APP's status as a duly registered political party has been a frequent subject of judicial review. No fewer than three separate Federal High Court judgments have previously concluded that the party fully satisfies all constitutional and statutory requirements for registration. These affirming decisions were subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal and further reinforced by the Supreme Court, which stakeholders believe conclusively settled the matter of the party’s legal status within Nigeria’s judicial framework.

Legal commentators emphasize that, under Nigeria's established judicial hierarchy, judgments issued by appellate courts and the Supreme Court are binding on lower courts. This principle makes it exceptionally difficult for a subsequent ruling by a lower court to effectively invalidate or overturn earlier decisions that have been affirmed by superior judicial bodies. Consequently, many legal experts view Justice Lifu’s recent judgment, specifically in any interpretation that suggests it affects the APP, as having no practical or legal impact on the party’s continued recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A legal source familiar with the issue stated, “The APP’s status as a duly registered political party has already been settled by multiple judicial pronouncements culminating in decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Those judgments remain binding and enforceable.” Stakeholders further insist that the APP remains qualified to sponsor candidates and participate in all electoral activities, including the forthcoming 2027 general elections, unless a contrary order is issued by a court possessing the requisite appellate jurisdiction. Despite the renewed public discussion surrounding Justice Lifu’s ruling, legal commentators reiterate that the existing judgments from the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, which affirm the APP’s existence, represent the prevailing legal position. Based on these definitive decisions, party stakeholders are resolute in their assertion that the Action People’s Party will remain a registered political party and will actively participate in the 2027 general election.