Abuja's Court of Appeal has blocked execution of a Federal High Court ruling that would deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress.
INEC must halt the deregistration process immediately. This remains the case until the substantive appeal is resolved.
Justice Peter Lifu had ordered the electoral commission to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, and three others on Monday. He cited their failure to meet constitutional registration standards.
A three-judge appellate panel criticized Justice Lifu's decision sharply. They accused him of "brazen disregard for the higher court and judicial impertinence."
The affected parties challenged the deregistration order in the appellate court. The suspension now gives them time to pursue their case.
INEC has not yet commented on the court's directive. The commission had been preparing to implement Lifu's ruling.
