APP Appeal Court ruling…

A chieftain of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Chima Amadi, has hailed the Appeal Court ruling affirming the legal status of the party, describing the decision as a resounding victory for democracy, rule of law, and the collective resolve of millions Nigerians.

Key Highlights

• APP chieftain Chima Amadi hailed the Court of Appeal ruling affirming the party’s legal status.
• Amadi described the judgment as a victory for democracy, the rule of law and Nigerians.
• The Court of Appeal nullified the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of APP and other opposition parties.
• The appellate court ruled that the National Forum of Former Legislators lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.
• The court also faulted the Federal High Court for proceeding despite an existing stay order.

Amadi noted that the judgment has once again reaffirmed the timeless principle that justice ultimately prevails over every attempt to undermine the democratic rights of political parties and the constitutional freedom of citizens.

He stated that the victory belongs not only to the APP as a political party, but to every well-meaning Nigerian who desires a political environment where the rule of law, rather than intimidation or manipulation remains supreme.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Cajetan Duke, Amadi said the ruling has laid to rest the unnecessary distractions and legal uncertainties allegedly orchestrated by the ruling party against the party.

He said the ruling will allow the APP to focus fully on its mission of providing purposeful leadership, good governance, and people-centred development.

It would be recalled that in a landmark judgment delivered on Tuesday, by a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Abba Mohammed, the Court of Appeal unanimously nullified the Federal High Court’s judgment of June 15, 2026, holding that the trial court lacked the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The appellate court ruled that the suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), seeking the deregistration of APP and other opposition political parties, was fundamentally incompetent because the NFFL was not a juristic person and therefore lacked the legal capacity to institute the action.

Consequently, the court held that there was no competent suit before the Federal High Court upon which the order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the affected political parties could validly stand.

The Court of Appeal further held that the trial court failed to properly evaluate the evidence before it, particularly the uncontroverted proof that the affected political parties had previously won elective offices, thereby satisfying the constitutional requirements for their continued registration.

The appellate court also faulted Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court for proceeding with the matter, despite an existing order staying further proceedings pending the determination of an appeal, describing the action as inconsistent with established judicial hierarchy and discipline.

Amadi, who is the party’s senatorial candidate for lmo East in the 2027 general elections, commended the judiciary for demonstrating exceptional courage, independence and unwavering fidelity to the constitution.

He declared that the well-considered decision of the appellate court has further strengthened public confidence in the nation’s judicial system and reaffirmed the principle that justice must always be anchored on law, due process and sound legal reasoning.

He equally lauded the national leadership of the APP, members, supporters and the Nigerians who remained steadfast in their faith despite the challenges, praising their resilience, discipline and unwavering commitment to the ideals upon which the party was founded.

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The APP senatorial candidate urged party faithful across Imo State, particularly in Imo East Senatorial District, to receive the judgment with humility, maturity and renewed determination.

According to him, this victory should not be seen as an occasion for triumphalism but as a call to greater responsibility, unity and intensified grassroots mobilisation.

Amadi reiterated that his focus remains on providing effective representation, promoting equitable development and championing policies that will improve the welfare of the people of Imo East Senatorial District in particular and Imo State in general.

He maintained that the APP remains committed to issue-based politics, accountable leadership and constructive engagement with the electorate.

He further called on all political actors to respect judicial pronouncements and embrace healthy democratic competition founded on ideas, integrity and service rather than hostility, intimidation or needless litigation.

He stressed that democracy can only flourish where the rule of law is respected and the independence of the judiciary is upheld by all stakeholders.