Abuja, June 16, 2026
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) strongly condemns the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). HURIWA describes the decision as a massive threat to constitutional democracy, judicial integrity, and Nigeria’s multiparty system.
The association is deeply alarmed that the judgment was reportedly delivered in defiance of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal which had expressly directed a stay of proceedings pending the determination of an appeal already before it. If properly established, such disregard of a superior court order represents a serious constitutional infraction and an affront to the doctrine of judicial hierarchy.
HURIWA finds it particularly disturbing that despite the existence of an appellate court order brought to the attention of the trial court, proceedings were allegedly continued to conclusion, culminating in a far-reaching judgment capable of altering Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association notes with concern that the Federal High Court has increasingly been embroiled in controversies involving politically sensitive disputes, raising public apprehension about the neutrality and independence of certain judicial interventions in opposition party matters. Whether justified or not, these recurring concerns must be urgently addressed to preserve public confidence in the judiciary.
HURIWA recalls that the Court of Appeal, in several politically sensitive matters, has consistently cautioned against judicial overreach, especially in internal party disputes. In a notable instance arising from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis, the appellate court set aside a Federal High Court decision and reaffirmed the principle that courts must not allow themselves to be used as instruments for determining political leadership outcomes outside clear constitutional and evidential boundaries.
The appellate court further reinforced the supremacy of documentary evidence over oral assertions, holding that:
“It is trite law that oral evidence cannot be used to contradict, alter, add to or vary the contents of a valid and unambiguous document.”
The court emphasized that where documentary evidence is clear, credible, and unchallenged, it remains decisive and must be given full probative value, while bare assertions or affidavit denials cannot displace it.
HURIWA is therefore concerned that despite these settled legal principles, contradictory judicial outcomes from lower courts continue to raise questions about consistency, adherence to precedent, and respect for binding appellate authority.
The association also references arguments raised by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and other stakeholders concerning judicial pronouncements affirming the legality and registration status of the Action Peoples Party (APP), as well as prior appellate and Supreme Court affirmations that underscore the legal standing of registered political parties under Nigerian law. Any attempt to ignore or undermine such settled positions without proper appellate reversal threatens legal certainty and democratic stability.
HURIWA describes the judgment as a legal aberration, totally fallacious in reasoning, and dangerous in its implications for constitutional governance. The association is compelled to ask: why the haste to deliver such a consequential judgment when the Court of Appeal is already seized of the matter and has fixed a hearing date? Why proceed in the face of a reported subsisting stay of proceedings?
The association warns that judicial actions perceived as targeting opposition political parties ahead of elections risk eroding public trust in the judiciary, deepening political tension, and weakening democratic institutions.
HURIWA calls on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding this judgment and take decisive steps to curb judicial excesses that could undermine constitutional democracy. The NJC must act without delay to preserve the integrity, independence, and credibility of the judiciary.
The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and must never be reduced—whether by perception or reality—into an instrument of political engineering or partisan advantage. Nigeria’s democracy depends on strict adherence to the rule of law, respect for superior court orders, and fidelity to constitutional processes.
HURIWA urges the Court of Appeal and other superior courts to ensure that judicial discipline is maintained and that the sanctity of appellate orders is fully respected in all legal proceedings.
Democracy can only thrive where justice is consistent, impartial, and free from political influence.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator, HURIWA
June 16, 2026
