INEC Seeks to Halt Deregistration of Four Political Parties

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is seeking to halt the enforcement of a court order that led to the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties. The commission has formally asked the Court of Appeal in Abuja to stay the execution of the judgment.

INEC's move indicates a shift in its stance, as it now supports the appeal lodged by the affected political parties. This development suggests the electoral body may be reconsidering its initial decision or acknowledging potential flaws in the deregistration process.

The legal battle centers on the criteria and process used by INEC to deregister political parties. The Court of Appeal's initial verdict had favored the commission's decision, but the subsequent appeal and INEC's current request for a stay of execution signal a complex and ongoing legal process.