Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dr. Bishop Akhalamhe, has applauded the Court of Appeal’s landmark judgment affirming the continued registration of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Accord Party (AP), describing the ruling as a decisive victory for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary.
Dr. Akhalamhe said the judgment represents a significant triumph for democratic governance, as it reaffirms the constitutional rights of duly registered political parties to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process without unlawful interference.
He noted that the verdict sends a strong message that the judiciary remains the final defender of justice, constitutional order, and democratic principles.
According to him, the Court of Appeal’s decision not only protects political pluralism but also strengthens public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions by demonstrating that the courts will continue to uphold the Constitution and safeguard the rights of all legitimate political actors.
He urged members of the affected political parties and Nigerians at large to see the judgment as a renewed affirmation of the nation’s democratic values, stressing that an inclusive multi-party system remains essential for credible elections, political stability, and national development.
Akhalamhe, in a statement issued yesterday, hailed the appellate court for overturning the Federal High Court judgment that had ordered the re-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 for democracy itself. It reinforces the principle that justice must always prevail and strengthens 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 delivered 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 the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Accord Party (AP), bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding their registration.
