Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has applauded the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal for stepping into the legal battle over the deregistration of five political parties, describing the move as a critical safeguard against judicial overreach and a major boost for democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the rights advocacy group said the appellate court’s decision to halt enforcement of the Federal High Court judgment has helped preserve confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary and protected the country’s multi-party democratic structure.
The Court of Appeal granted a stay of execution on the earlier ruling which sought to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
According to HURIWA, the intervention has prevented what it described as a potentially destabilising development in Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence at a politically sensitive period leading to the 2027 elections.
The group noted that observations made by the appellate court raised concerns over procedural compliance and adherence to judicial hierarchy during proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
HURIWA argued that the controversy highlights the need for strict observance of constitutional safeguards, judicial restraint, and respect for subsisting orders of superior courts, warning that departures from due process could weaken public trust in the justice system.
The Federal High Court had earlier ordered the deregistration of the five political parties, citing alleged failure to satisfy constitutional requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution relating to electoral performance thresholds and continued party registration.
The suit was instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which contended that the affected parties failed to meet required electoral benchmarks, including vote and representation thresholds at both national and state levels.
However, the Court of Appeal suspended enforcement of the ruling pending determination of the substantive appeal, thereby preserving the legal status of the affected political parties.
HURIWA maintained that the appellate court’s action goes beyond procedural relief and represents an important defence of political pluralism, stressing that democratic participation should not be threatened by procedural irregularities.
The organisation warned that Nigeria’s democratic strength depends on the predictability of its legal system and consistent application of due process, especially in matters affecting electoral competition.
It further urged judicial officers to exercise restraint and uphold the highest ethical standards, insisting that politically sensitive decisions must remain anchored on law, precedent, and constitutional clarity.
HURIWA also appealed to political actors and stakeholders to remain calm and allow the judicial process to run its full course, maintaining that only a final court pronouncement can conclusively resolve the matter.
The group cautioned against attempts to politicise judicial outcomes, saying such actions could erode public confidence in the judiciary and democratic institutions.
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