The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking a stay of execution on a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
INEC also backed a notice of appeal filed by the affected political parties as it challenged the ruling.
When the matter came before a three-member panel of the appellate court on Tuesday, the Commission expressed surprise over the decision of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which was delivered despite an earlier order restraining him from doing so.
Through its counsel, Haliru Mohammed, INEC told the court it was not informed of the judgment delivery and only became aware through media reports.
The Commission said it had expected compliance with the appellate court’s order of May 22, which had halted the delivery of the judgment initially scheduled for June 5.
INEC therefore did not oppose the application seeking a stay of execution of the judgment.
