Judiciary Under Pressure After A’Court Stops ADC Deregistration
Former Senate President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, David Mark, has reacted to the Court of Appeal ruling that halted the deregistration of the party and four others, saying the judiciary is now under public scrutiny following the legal dispute.
He warned that political interference in court processes could damage confidence in the justice system.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had earlier stopped the enforcement of a Federal High Court order that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC, Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party.
The appellate court also criticised the lower court for proceeding with its judgment despite an earlier order restraining it from doing so.
In its ruling, the Appeal Court described the actions of the lower court as a breach of judicial procedure and reaffirmed its authority to supervise lower courts.
The decision followed arguments from INEC, which said it only learned of the earlier ruling through media reports and not official communication, while counsel to the affected parties also challenged the legality of the process.
Following the ruling, political leaders and party officials welcomed the decision but raised concerns about judicial conduct and the need for reforms.
Some stakeholders called for disciplinary action against the trial judge, while others urged calm and respect for the legal process as the case continues in court.
