The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has hailed the intervention of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in the political party deregistration dispute, describing the ruling as a critical judicial safeguard that prevented a potentially dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said the appellate court’s decision to suspend the execution of the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has restored confidence in the rule of law and reaffirmed the sanctity of judicial hierarchy.
The association said the controversy has moved beyond the fate of five political parties and now represents a significant test of the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, the independence of the judiciary, and the constitutional guarantees that underpin political participation.
According to HURIWA, the Court of Appeal acted in the national interest by preventing a situation that could have fundamentally altered Nigeria’s political landscape without the exhaustion of the judicial process.
“The significance of this intervention cannot be overstated. What was at stake was not merely the registration status of a handful of political parties but the integrity of constitutional democracy itself. The preservation of democratic choice and political plurality remains essential to the health of any democratic society,” the group stated.
HURIWA expressed concern over circumstances that led to the delivery of the Federal High Court judgment despite pending appellate proceedings, noting that respect for the hierarchy of courts is one of the pillars upon which the administration of justice rests.
The rights group warned that any perception that orders of superior courts can be disregarded poses a serious threat to public confidence in the judiciary and risks weakening the credibility of democratic institutions.
It stressed that judicial authority derives its legitimacy from consistency, discipline, adherence to due process and fidelity to constitutional principles.
The association further argued that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on political competition, inclusion and the freedom of citizens to organise and participate through lawful political platforms, adding that any action capable of narrowing the democratic space must be subjected to the strictest constitutional scrutiny.
HURIWA also called on the National Judicial Council, the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant institutions to continue strengthening mechanisms that promote judicial accountability, ethical conduct and public trust in the administration of justice.
The group urged political actors, civil society organisations and citizens to remain vigilant in defending democratic norms while allowing the appellate process to proceed without interference or political pressure.
According to HURIWA, the case is rapidly emerging as one of the most consequential electoral and constitutional disputes in recent years and could shape future interpretations of the powers of courts, the role of INEC and the constitutional framework governing political parties.
“As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, institutions must act with caution, responsibility and unwavering respect for the Constitution. Democracy is strongest when the rule of law prevails over expediency and when constitutional safeguards are allowed to function without intimidation or manipulation,” the statement added.
HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutional democracy, judicial independence, political freedom and the fundamental rights of Nigerians to participate freely in the democratic process.