The presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Aare Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, has described the Court of Appeal judgment overturning the order seeking the deregistration of his party and four others as a victory for democracy, constitutionalism and political inclusion.

Omoaje, in a statement issued by the party’s National Secretariat, said the ruling reaffirmed the rights of political parties to exist and participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had on Tuesday nullified the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party (AP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

A three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, describing the earlier judgment as a nullity.

The court also faulted the lower court for proceeding with the case despite an earlier order by the Court of Appeal directing a stay of proceedings.

It further ruled that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, rendering the entire matter incompetent.

The Federal High Court had ordered the deregistration of the five political parties over their performance in the 2023 general elections, a decision that was challenged at the appellate court.

Reacting to the judgment, Omoaje said the decision had protected the voices of millions of Nigerians who identify with smaller political parties and ensured that AA remained on the INEC register.

He said the ruling would enable the party to continue mobilising Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots, ahead of future elections.

“This is a victory for democracy, constitutionalism and the right of Nigerians to choose from a broad spectrum of political alternatives,” Omoaje said.

Also reacting, counsel to the Action Peoples Party (APP), Barrister Peter Abang, described the judgment as a victory for democracy, stressing the importance of respecting the hierarchy of courts in the administration of justice.

“In the administration of justice, the hierarchy of courts in Nigeria must be respected as they establish an unbroken chain of command,” Abang said.

With the Court of Appeal judgment, AA, ADC, APP, Accord Party and ZLP remain recognised political parties eligible to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process.