Adeleke Hails Judiciary After Verdict On Accord, Others

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision setting aside the judgment of a Federal High Court that ordered the deregistration of the Accord Party and four other political parties, describing the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

The governor’s reaction followed Tuesday’s judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which nullified the earlier Federal High Court decision directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties.

The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit. It described the judgment as “a nullity” and ruled that “what the learned trial court did amount to judicial impertinence or what the Supreme Court called judicial insubordination.”

READ ALSO: Court Of Appeal Overturns Judgment On Deregistration Of ADC, Four Others

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Adeleke congratulated members and supporters of the Accord Party, saying the judgment had reaffirmed the party’s legal status ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.

“I congratulate every member and supporter of our great Accord family as the Court of Appeal has affirmed what we have always known, our party remains strong, lawful and fully prepared for the August 15 governorship election.”

The governor commended party faithful for remaining steadfast despite what he described as efforts to create uncertainty around the party’s participation in the election.

“I thank you for your steadfastness despite every attempt to create confusion and fear.”

Adeleke urged party leaders and supporters to move beyond the legal dispute and focus on mobilising voters across the state ahead of the governorship poll.

“Now, let us put this distraction behind us and return our full focus to the people. I urge every leader, youth, woman and supporter to intensify grassroots mobilization across every polling unit, ward and community.”

Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, the governor added: “Together, we will secure an even more convincing victory and continue the good work of building a better Osun. Imole till 2030.”