The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has applauded the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal for intervening in the controversial deregistration of five political parties, describing the ruling as a decisive victory for constitutional democracy, judicial discipline and political pluralism.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said the appellate court’s decision to halt the enforcement of the Federal High Court judgment has prevented what could have become one of the most far-reaching disruptions to Nigeria’s democratic landscape in recent years.
The rights group said the significance of the ruling extends beyond the immediate interests of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), arguing that the case touches the very foundations of democratic participation and the constitutional rights of millions of Nigerians.
According to HURIWA, the Court of Appeal’s action has reaffirmed a fundamental principle of the rule of law—that no court can operate outside the established hierarchy of the judicial system and that orders of superior courts must be respected and obeyed.
The association warned that any attempt to undermine judicial hierarchy threatens not only the credibility of the courts but also the stability of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
HURIWA noted that the controversy surrounding the judgment has generated widespread concern among legal practitioners, political stakeholders and civil society groups because of its potential implications for electoral competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation maintained that democracy is strengthened when citizens have broad political choices and when legal disputes with significant political consequences are resolved through transparent processes that strictly comply with constitutional requirements.
It stressed that political pluralism remains a cornerstone of democratic governance and cautioned against actions capable of narrowing the democratic space without exhausting all legal safeguards.
“The Court of Appeal has demonstrated that the judiciary remains the ultimate guardian of constitutional order. By preserving the status quo pending the determination of the substantive appeal, the court has protected democratic stability and reinforced public confidence in the justice system,” the group stated.
HURIWA further urged judicial officers across the country to remain guided by constitutional principles, judicial ethics and established precedent, especially in matters with profound national and political consequences.
The association also called on all parties involved in the litigation to respect the judicial process and refrain from actions capable of inflaming tensions or undermining public trust in democratic institutions.
The group said the dispute has evolved into a landmark test of Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence and could shape future legal interpretations relating to political parties, electoral participation and the limits of judicial authority.
As the nation moves toward the 2027 elections, HURIWA said all institutions must act in ways that deepen democracy, strengthen the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens to freely associate and participate in the political process.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic freedoms, constitutional governance and the independence of the judiciary as essential pillars of Nigeria’s democratic future.