A chieftain of the Action Peoples Party (APP) and the party’s 2027 Imo East Senatorial candidate, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, has welcomed the Court of Appeal judgment affirming the legal status of the party, describing it as a major victory for democracy, the rule of law, and constitutional governance.
Amadi said the appellate court’s decision reaffirmed the principle that justice would always triumph over attempts to undermine the democratic rights of political parties and the constitutional freedoms of Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Cajetan Duke, Amadi said the judgment was not only a victory for the APP but also for all Nigerians who believe in a democratic system governed by the rule of law rather than intimidation or political manipulation.
He added that the ruling had effectively put an end to what he described as unnecessary legal distractions and uncertainties allegedly orchestrated against the party.
The Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday by a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed, set aside the June 15, 2026 judgment of the Federal High Court, holding that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case.
The appellate court ruled that the suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which sought the deregistration of the APP and other opposition political parties, was incompetent because the NFFL is not a juristic person and therefore lacked the legal capacity to institute the action.
The court consequently held that there was no valid suit before the Federal High Court to support its order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the affected political parties.
Reacting to the judgment, Amadi commended the judiciary for what he described as its courage, independence, and commitment to upholding the Constitution.
According to him, the judgment has further strengthened public confidence in the nation’s judicial system and reinforced the principle that justice must be founded on law, due process, and sound legal reasoning.
He also urged political actors to respect court decisions and promote healthy democratic competition based on ideas, integrity, and service rather than intimidation, hostility, or needless litigation.
Amadi maintained that democracy can only thrive where the rule of law is respected and the independence of the judiciary is protected by all stakeholders.
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