Fresh moves to de-register some political parties took centre stage at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as the Action Peoples Party (APP) urged the court to suspend proceedings in the suit seeking the removal of five parties from Nigeria’s political register.
The suit, instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), seeks the de-registration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and APP over alleged failure to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral performance.
Counsel to APP, Peter Abang, argued that the court should halt further hearing because the party had already approached the Court of Appeal to challenge an earlier ruling that permitted the plaintiffs to amend their processes without leave of court.
Abang further faulted the decision allowing additional parties to participate in the matter, insisting that proper procedures for joinder were not followed. He told the court that records of proceedings had already been transmitted to the appellate court, making it necessary for the trial court to suspend action pending the outcome of the appeal.
Lawyer to the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi supported the request for stay of proceedings and urged the court to await the determination of the appeal before taking further steps in the case. Other counsel in the matter also aligned with the position.
The plaintiffs, however, opposed the application. Counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba, urged the court to continue with the hearing, arguing that time constraints under the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made it necessary for the matter to proceed without delay.
Representatives of INEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation told the court they would remain neutral on the application.
Justice Peter Lifu, meanwhile, granted separate applications by interested parties seeking to be joined in the suit, including applications filed on behalf of Sani Yakubu-Noma for the ADC and Abayomi Adebambi for the Accord Party.
The matter was adjourned till 18th May for ruling on the applications and for possible commencement of hearing.
The judge also directed all parties seeking to join the suit to file and exchange necessary processes ahead of the next date.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
