The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The group describes the judgment as a threat to constitutional democracy and Nigeria’s multiparty system.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association expressed concern that the judgment was reportedly delivered despite a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal directing a stay of proceedings pending the determination of an appeal before it.

HURIWA argued that if the reported circumstances surrounding the judgment are established, it would amount to a constitutional infraction and a violation of the doctrine of judicial hierarchy.

The group said it was particularly disturbed that proceedings were allegedly continued to conclusion despite the existence of an appellate court order brought to the attention of the trial court, resulting in a judgment it said could have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the association, controversies involving politically sensitive disputes before the Federal High Court have continued to generate concerns about the neutrality and independence of certain judicial interventions in opposition party matters.

HURIWA recalled that the Court of Appeal had, in several politically sensitive cases, cautioned against judicial overreach, particularly in internal party disputes. It cited an appellate court decision arising from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership crisis, where the court set aside a Federal High Court judgment and reaffirmed the principle that courts should not be used to determine political leadership outcomes outside constitutional and evidential boundaries.

The association further referenced the appellate court’s position that oral evidence cannot be used to contradict, alter, add to, or vary the contents of a valid and unambiguous document, stressing that documentary evidence remains decisive when clear, credible and unchallenged.

HURIWA expressed concern over what it described as contradictory outcomes from lower courts, saying such developments raise questions about consistency, adherence to precedent and respect for binding appellate authority.

The group also referred to arguments reportedly raised by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and other stakeholders concerning judicial pronouncements affirming the legality and registration status of the Action Peoples Party (APP), as well as previous appellate and Supreme Court decisions which, according to it, underscore the legal standing of registered political parties under Nigerian law.

Describing the judgment as a legal aberration and dangerous to constitutional governance, HURIWA questioned the decision to proceed with the matter when the Court of Appeal was already handling the case and had fixed a hearing date.

The association warned that judicial actions perceived as targeting opposition political parties ahead of elections could erode public confidence in the judiciary, heighten political tension and weaken democratic institutions.

It called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the judgment and take steps to safeguard the integrity, independence and credibility of the judiciary.

HURIWA also urged the Court of Appeal and other superior courts to ensure that judicial discipline is maintained and that appellate orders are respected in all legal proceedings.
The association maintained that democracy can only thrive where justice remains consistent, impartial and free from political influence.