Accord rejects deregistration ruling, vows to remain on ballot

By Abubaker Yunusa

The leadership of the Accord Party has rejected the recent judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming the de-registration of five political parties, describing the ruling as a travesty of justice and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.

The party’s National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, made the position known in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday.

Mgbudem argued that the judgement was delivered in defiance of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal which had granted a stay of proceedings on the matter.

According to him, it was surprising that the lower court proceeded to deliver judgement despite being aware that the case was already before the appellate court.

“The judgement was delivered in flagrant disregard of the subsisting Court of Appeal stay of proceedings order on the matter,” he said.

He added, “It is curious that the Federal High Court would proceed to deliver judgement on a matter before the appellate court that had granted a stay of proceedings, aware that the delivery of judgement was part of the proceedings of the court. The court is the temple of justice governed by the rule of law and due process, not fiat.”

The Accord chairman said the party would immediately challenge the judgement and had already directed its legal team to commence the process of overturning the ruling.

He maintained that Accord was not affected by the suit instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators, insisting that the party met constitutional and electoral requirements following its victory in two councillorship elections in Jigawa State.

Mgbudem assured members, candidates and supporters that the party remained a legally recognised political platform and would participate in forthcoming elections across the country.

“Accord will be on the ballot in the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and the 2027 general elections,” he stated.

The party also disclosed that preparations for its political activities would continue uninterrupted, including the planned flag-off of the Imole Campaign in Osun State on Tuesday.

Mgbudem accused unnamed anti-democratic forces of attempting to distract the party but insisted such efforts would not succeed.

“The attempt to distract our great party by anti-democratic and reactionary forces has failed once again and will continue to fail,” he said.

He reiterated the party’s commitment to the rule of law, multiparty democracy and constitutional governance, stressing that Accord would continue to provide Nigerians with an alternative platform focused on good governance, economic prosperity and national security.

The party further called on its supporters nationwide to remain calm and steadfast as it pursues legal remedies against the judgement.