Accord Hails Appeal Court Judgment Nullifying Deregistration Order

The Accord Party has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal nullifying a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the decision as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, said the appellate court’s judgment had restored confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and reaffirmed the judiciary’s role as the last hope of aggrieved citizens.

Mgbudem described the ruling as a major boost for representative democracy, saying it demonstrated that attempts to undermine democratic participation would fail when citizens defend their constitutional rights.

“The appellate court verdict is a victory for democracy, rule of law and due process. It has restored sanity in the ongoing electoral process and justified the confidence Nigerians reposed in the Judiciary as the temple of justice and last hope of all aggrieved citizens.

“The Court of Appeal ruling is indeed a sweet music in the ears of all lovers of representative governance in Nigeria. It is also a powerful signal that anti-democratic and reactionary forces will be defeated if citizens stand up for their rights to democratic participation,” he said.

The Accord Party chairman further alleged that the suit seeking the party’s deregistration was politically motivated and intended to stop Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, from participating in the August 15 governorship election in the state.

“Accord is aware that the intention of this frivolous, spurious and defective suit was to distract, prevent and stop the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, from participating in the August 15 gubernatorial election in the state.

“The way this grand judicial plot failed, is the way the opposition in Osun State will also fail, as the party will again emerge victorious in the polls. It is a fact that our great party met all the requirements for its registration and won elections which were duly presented in court and ought not to have been included in this disgusting suit by the so-called former legislators, a group of interlopers that lack the locus standi to institute it,” he stated.

The party recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier granted a stay of proceedings on May 22, 2026, and a stay of execution on June 16, 2026, pending the determination of the appeal.

Expressing appreciation over the outcome of the case, Mgbudem commended Nigerians who condemned the judgment of the Federal High Court.

“Accord welcomes this landmark judgement of the Court of Appeal, and appreciates Nigerians who set aside political differences and strongly condemned the judicial recklessness of the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Peter Lifu. It is patriotism redefined and democracy at its finest.

“There is no doubt that the Accord’s growing national acceptance is a threat to unpatriotic elements in the society, particularly in Osun State, the party’s stronghold. Join us to build a strong, stable, inclusive and prosperous democratic nation,” he added.