The Oyo State Governorship candidate of the Accord Party, Oriyomi Hamzat, has said the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court ordering the deregistration of the party and other political parties raises serious legal questions that will undoubtedly be resolved by the appellate courts.

In a statement on Monday, Hamzat stated that as a democrat, he respects the judiciary and the rule of law.

This was as he pointed out that Nigeria’s egal system recognises that once an appeal has been entered and matters affecting the substance of a case are before a higher court, lower courts are expected to exercise caution in taking steps that may render appellate proceedings nugatory.

Hamzat said the legal team of the Accord Party has informed that issues relating to this matter are already before the Court of Appeal, “and we remain confident that justice will prevail.”

“More importantly, our supporters and members should not lose sight of the bigger picture. Political parties are not mere corporate entities; they are vehicles through which citizens exercise their constitutional right to political participation. Any action that seeks to limit political choices available to the electorate must be subjected to the highest level of constitutional scrutiny,” he said.

He urged supporters across Oyo State and Nigeria to remain calm, peaceful and focused, and reiterated the party’s commitment to providing the people of Oyo State with a credible alternative built on integrity, accountability and people-centred leadership.

He stated that no court judgment can diminish Nigerians’ growing desire for a new political direction. According to him, the movement for a better future is bigger than any single ruling, and it cannot be stopped by temporary legal setbacks.

“Our lawyers are already taking all necessary steps within the ambit of the law and we are confident that the appropriate judicial authorities will address the issues arising from today’s decision.

“Finally, to our teeming supporters, I say this, stay united, stay peaceful, and remain steadfast. Democracy is strengthened not by intimidation or exclusion, but by allowing the people to freely choose their leaders.

“At the appropriate time, the people will have their say, and their voice will be heard,” Hamzat said.