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The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Liberation People’s Party (LPP) as a political party and issue it a certificate of registration within 30 days.

The appellate court overturned an earlier decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which had declined the reliefs sought by the political association.

In a landmark judgment delivered on Tuesday, a three-member panel of justices unanimously held that the LPP was deemed duly registered under Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, effective from December 2025, being 60 days after the party submitted its application to INEC.

The panel, comprising Justices Banjoko, Abang, and Oyewunmi, ruled in favour of the party and awarded N5 million in damages against INEC, in addition to N500,000 as the cost of litigation.

The court’s decision followed an appeal filed by the LPP challenging the judgment of the Federal High Court presided over by Justice B.F.M. Nyako.

According to the party, it was among 14 political associations prequalified by INEC from a total of 171 applicants seeking registration in 2025.

The LPP stated that after paying the mandatory administrative fee of N2 million, it was issued an access code with a 30-day validity period to enable it to upload the required registration documents on INEC’s online portal.

However, the party alleged that INEC blocked its access to the portal before the expiration of the deadline, thereby preventing it from completing the registration process.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal held that the circumstances of the case entitled the party to be regarded as duly registered in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Reacting to the judgment, lead counsel to the LPP, Barrister John Nwobodo, described the ruling as a triumph for democracy, justice, and the rule of law.

“We appreciate the Justices of the Court of Appeal for upholding justice and reaffirming the judiciary as the last hope of the common man,” he said.

Nwobodo also assured Nigerians that the party would remain committed to democratic values, inclusiveness, and broader political participation.

Appeal court orders INEC to register LPP within 30 days

The South-South zone of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has condemned the attack on its Edo State secretariat by hoodlums suspected to be political thugs.

DAILY POST reports that at about 2:55 pm shortly after the defection of Barrister Olumide Akpata and others to the party, hoodlums invaded the premises.

Some of the property destroyed and vandalised include vehicles, plastic chairs, canopy, among others.

The occasion was attended by Mr Peter Obi, the former, Anambra State Governor and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, the former governor of Edo, Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor, also the former governor of Edo State, among other dignitaries.

While condemning the attack, the South-South zone of the party said the incident marked the second time the ugly incident was launched on the secretariat.

A statement signed by Ms Mabel Oboh, ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary and made available to newsmen in Benin city alleged that preliminary reports suggest the involvement of members of a political party in the dastardly act.

“What happened to our Edo State secretariat is not just an attack on a party but an attack on democracy itself. Politics must never be a theatre of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Political participation must be safe, organised, and lawful.

“ADC emphasises that preparedness is a responsibility, not an act of aggression. The party does not endorse violence, but it will not tolerate intimidation. The safety of our members remains paramount, and security measures will stay strict at all levels, even during small meetings.

“Notably, the political violence happening in Edo State is of great concern and a huge disgrace to Edo State leadership

“Our movement is peaceful. Our focus is strategic. Our operations are structured. No one should be allowed to use violence to shine politically at the expense of others.

“Democracy is strengthened when political actors conduct themselves lawfully, responsibly, and with respect for citizens’ rights and safety, for serious minds only.

“Our party, ADC will continue to protect its members, defend democratic principles, and participate in politics with dignity and discipline,” she said.

Oboh, however, said that the National Leader of the party in the state, Chief John Odigie Oyegun has invited the authorities of security agencies, particularly the police to the scene of the incident.

She also added that the party has called on law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the attack swiftly and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

She explained that the incident happened shortly after Olumide Akpata defected to the party at its secretariat located at Ogbelaka Street, Benin City.

The ADC, South-South zonal publicity secretary, said the hoodlums stormed the premises, firing shots and injuring several individuals.

“Fortunately, key dignitaries, including Peter Obi, Odigie Oyegun, ADC National Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba, National Legal Adviser Oserheimen Osunbor, and ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Mabel Oboh, had just left the venue before the attack”, she added.

Meanwhile, the Edo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Jarret Tenebe has attributed the attack on the ADC secretariat to an internal crisis within the party.

“What happened was as a result of factions within the Edo ADC.
‎
‎”Did the attackers wear an APC uniform? What is happening in ADC is a factional fight. You saw Owie fighting Oyegun. They should not drag us into their fight”, he stated.

ADC South-South zone condemns attack on Edo secretariat, as APC blames internal crisis

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