Court declares AAP legally registered, directs INEC to issue certificate of registration

The African Alliance Party, AAP, has said that the Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, has declared the party a legally registered political party in Nigeria.

National Chairman of the party, Rev. Peters Olusegun Iyaobaje, in a statement on Thursday, said the judgment was delivered in Appeal No. CA/MK/102/26, filed by the party against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and the Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriarian-Anthony.

According to Iyaobaje, the appellate court held that AAP is deemed to be a duly registered political party by operation of law.

The statement explained, “The basis of the court’s decision was that INEC failed to challenge the party’s eligibility for registration within the constitutionally prescribed 90-day window available for the registration of political parties.

“The court found that INEC’s failure to act within that period foreclosed any objection to the party’s registration, thereby entitling AAP to be treated as a registered political party as a matter of constitutional right.

“Consequent upon its findings, the court directed INEC to issue and deliver a certificate of registration to the African Alliance Party without further delay. This order is binding on INEC and all its officers.

“This judgment reinforces the principle that constitutional timelines imposed on regulatory authorities are not merely directory but are mandatory in nature. INEC’s inaction within the prescribed period cannot be used as an instrument to deny eligible political associations their right to registration.”

The party said the decision is a significant affirmation of the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic framework ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The judgment is coming amid a suit seeking the deregistration of some Nigerian opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.