•Five controversial judgments
By Henry Ojelu & Gabriel Ewepu
Recent judgment of the Court of Appeal setting aside an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties has once again raised concerns over how court judgments are sometimes deployed in ways critics say frustrate the rule of law and undermine the democratic process.
The latest example came on Tuesday when the Court of Appeal delivered one of its strongest judicial rebukes in recent history, overturning the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit seeking the deregistration of ADC and four other political parties.
The appellate court’s verdict, which firmly faulted the trial judge’s handling of the case, has been widely viewed as a significant reaffirmation of judicial discipline and adherence to due process. It also reignited debate over the implications of conflicting court decisions, particularly in politically sensitive matters where such rulings could alter the nation’s democratic landscape.
