Court of Appeal rebukes judge over attempts to deregister opposition parties
via Punch Nigeria12 min read
On June 15, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister five political parties: African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party. The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, alleged the parties failed to meet constitutional requirements, including securing 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or winning an elective seat at federal, state, or local government levels. Justice Lifu's ruling also restrained the parties from participating in elections or political activities. However, on June 16, 2026, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal strongly rebuked Justice Lifu, describing his actions as "judicial rascality" and "judicial impertinence." The appellate panel stated that Justice Lifu flagrantly flouted a May 22, 2026, Court of Appeal order that had explicitly directed him to put all proceedings on hold. The appellate court ruled that Justice Lifu exhibited "gravest form of judicial misconduct" and a brazen violation of judicial hierarchy by delivering his judgment despite an active stay of proceedings. The three-member panel, led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, suspended the execution of Justice Lifu鈥檚 deregistration order and scheduled a full hearing to review the substantive case. Separately, on June 26, 2026, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its earlier judgment dire
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