SUNTV Global Channel | June 15, 2026
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has strongly criticised the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of the Accord Party and four other political parties, describing the ruling as a violation of an existing Court of Appeal order and an abuse of judicial process.
In a statement issued on Monday through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed surprise that the Federal High Court proceeded to deliver judgment despite an earlier order from the Court of Appeal directing a stay of proceedings in the matter.
According to Adeleke, records before the court clearly showed that the appellate court had ruled that the delivery of judgment remained part of the proceedings covered by the stay order.
“The Appeal Court had made an order for the stay of proceedings by the Federal High Court, including the judgment that was eventually delivered,” the governor stated.
He argued that the lower court’s decision contradicted the position of the Court of Appeal and raised serious concerns about adherence to due process.
Adeleke, however, urged residents of Osun State and party supporters to remain calm, assuring them that the legal challenge against the ruling would be addressed when the matter comes up before the Court of Appeal.
The governor expressed confidence that the Accord Party would ultimately remain eligible to participate in the upcoming governorship election scheduled for August 15.
“This effort to stop Osun people from exercising their democratic rights will fail. The rule of law and justice will prevail,” Adeleke said.
He further insisted that the party’s campaign activities would continue uninterrupted despite the court ruling.
According to him, plans for the official flag-off of the party’s governorship campaign would proceed as scheduled, dismissing suggestions that the judgment could derail the party’s electoral preparations.
“Our lawyers are already taking the necessary legal steps to challenge the decision. We will be on the ballot, and we will win overwhelmingly,” he declared.
The controversy follows a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements.
The affected parties include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (A), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The court held that the parties failed to secure the minimum electoral threshold required under Nigerian law, leading to the order for their deregistration.
The ruling has sparked fresh legal and political debate, with affected parties expected to challenge the decision in higher courts as preparations for future elections continue.
