Imo APP Applauds Supreme Court for Dismissing Deregistration Appeal, Describes Judgment as Sound, Reaffirmation of Constitutional Democracy

PRESS STATEMENT

Imo APP Applauds Supreme Court for Dismissing Deregistration Appeal, Describes Judgment as Sound, Reaffirmation of Constitutional Democracy

The Action Peoples’ Party (APP) Imo State Chapter ably chaired by Hon.Ernest Njesi has applauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria for dismissing the appeal seeking the party’s deregistration, describing the judgment as sound, well-reasoned, and a reaffirmation of constitutional democracy.

The apex court’s decision has effectively settled the legal dispute surrounding the party’s status, thereby affirming APP’s constitutional recognition and clearing the path for its full participation in the 2027 General Elections.

The appeal was instituted by one Mr. Blessing Elujiuba, who sought an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the Action Peoples Party on the grounds that it allegedly failed to satisfy the requirements stipulated under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It will be recalled that both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had earlier ruled in favour of APP, holding that the party remains a legally recognised political organisation and had fulfilled all constitutional conditions required for continued registration.

The appeal was eventually struck out by a five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice John Inyang Okoro after the appellant formally withdrew the matter.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Okoro stated, “This appeal is hereby dismissed, having been withdrawn without objection.”

The respondents in the suit were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Action Peoples Party (APP), and the party’s National Chairman, Barr.Uchenna Nnadi.

The Supreme Court’s ruling brings a definitive end to the legal challenge and reinforces the decisions of the lower courts, which consistently held that there was no lawful basis for the party’s deregistration.

In its unanimous judgment, the Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri upheld the decision of the Federal High Court, affirming that APP had satisfied the constitutional requirements necessary to remain a registered political party.

The appellate court further held that the claimant failed to establish the allegation that the party neither won elections nor met the constitutional benchmarks required for its continued existence.

Justice Ntong Festus Ntong, who delivered the lead judgment at the Court of Appeal, noted that APP presented credible and unchallenged evidence demonstrating its electoral successes, including the victory of a councillorship candidate in Jigawa State and notable achievements in the Rivers State Local Government Elections.

According to the court, these facts significantly undermined the appellant’s argument that APP had failed to meet the constitutional conditions for continued registration.

The appellate court also endorsed the position advanced by INEC and APP that the provisions of Section 225A of the Constitution should be interpreted disjunctively, meaning that compliance with any of the stipulated conditions is sufficient to sustain a political party’s registration.

Consequently, the appellate court unanimously concluded that there was no legal justification for deregistering the Action Peoples Party.

Justice Oyebisi Folayemi Omoleye described the appeal as “completely bereft of merit,” while Justice Mohammed Lawal Abubakar concurred, maintaining that the challenge lacked substance and was rightly dismissed.

Following the Supreme Court’s verdict, the leadership of the Action Peoples Party has called on the people of Imo State and Nigerians at large to continue supporting the party as it prepares for greater political participation and its anticipated success in the 2027 General Elections.

Signed,

Steve Nnadi,

Publicity Secretary,

Action peoples’ party,

Imo state.

June 19, 2026.

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