The Court of Appeal has suspended the execution of judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and other political parties.
In a scathing ruling, the appellate court described the trial judge’s actions as the “highest form of judicial impertinence” and “judicial rascality,” stating that the lower court disregarded its earlier directive to maintain the status quo. This was not a procedural error; it was a direct assault on judicial hierarchy.
This development should concern every Nigerian committed to democracy and the rule of law. The timing of the deregistration order, ahead of 2027, points to nothing but a pure political distraction. The ruling party appears jittery about the possible outcome on election day and has resorted to actions that weaken opposition voices while it remains comfortable on the sidelines. As I warned previously, this pattern suggests selective justice aimed at altering the political field and disrupting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign through a tense political atmosphere in Osun state.
The opposition parties have seen the handwriting on the wall and stood their ground by proceeding to the appellate court to seek justice. That justice has now been served. It was clear from the outset that the Federal High Court judgment on the deregistration of ADC, Accord, ZLP, and other parties could not stand. It would not last 24 hours before being redressed by a higher court.
With an appeal pending and a status quo order in place, the rushed delivery of such a judgment deepens public distrust. Courts must guard justice, not ignore superior orders. When a lower court compels the appellate bench to intervene with such language, it exposes a dangerous decline in institutional discipline. Judicial authority rests solely on public trust.
Terms like “judicial rascality” from a higher court confirm a serious breach that cannot be dismissed as a minor error.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) must investigate this conduct immediately. Disciplinary action, including sanctions where warranted, is required to restore credibility. Nigerians have witnessed too many “strategic” judgments driven by political convenience rather than impartial law.
Democracy is eroded not by opposition, but by silence when institutions are compromised. Selective rulings that deregister parties or suspend due process destroy fair competition.
The Court of Appeal has acted to protect the rule of law by suspending this judgment. Judicial authorities must now follow through with accountability.
This is not about one case. It is about whether Nigeria’s judiciary will serve the people or become a tool for one-party dominance. Public trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild. Nigerians deserve an independent and impartial judiciary that upholds the rule of law. The era of impunity must end.
Democracy must prevail through justice, not judicial rascality.
Signed:
Comrade James Onifade
Advocacy for Good Governance and a Better Judicial Reform
