A’Court judgment victory for democracy -Edo ZLP chairman, Akhalamhe

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

Edo State chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dr. Bishop Akhalamhe, has described the Court of Appeal’s decision affirming the continued registration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA) and Accord Party (AP) as a major victory for democracy, the rule of law and Nigeria’s judicial system.

Akhalamhe, in a statement yesterday, hailed the appellate court for overturning the Federal High Court’s judgment that had ordered the de-registration of the affected political parties, saying the verdict reaffirmed the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

He said the judgment had restored confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions and demonstrated the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and protecting constitutional rights.

“The judgment is a victory not only for the affected political parties but also for democracy itself. It reinforces the principle that justice must always prevail and strengthen public confidence in the nation’s judicial process,” he said.

The ZLP chairman urged political actors to respect the decision of the court and channel any grievances through lawful and democratic means, stressing that adherence to the rule of law remains critical to sustaining peace, political stability and democratic governance in the country.

He also expressed optimism that the ruling would deepen public trust in both the electoral and judicial processes and encourage greater participation in Nigeria’s democracy.

The Court of Appeal, in a lead judgment by Justice Abba Mohammed, held that all the affected political parties remain duly registered, setting aside the earlier decision of the Federal High Court.

The appellate court allowed the separate appeals filed by the parties and awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which instituted the suit challenging their registration.

The judgment effectively reaffirmed the legal status of theADC, ZLP, APP, AA and AP, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding their registration.