Appeal Court Declares AAP a Legally Registered Political Party, Says Chairman

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

The party’s National Chairman, Rev. Peters Olusegun Iyaobaje, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying 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 Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

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

He explained that the court based its decision on INEC’s failure to challenge the party’s eligibility for registration within the constitutionally prescribed 90-day period 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,” the statement read.

Iyaobaje further stated that the court directed INEC to issue and deliver a certificate of registration to the African Alliance Party without delay.

“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,” he said.

The AAP chairman described the judgment as a reaffirmation of the principle that constitutional timelines imposed on regulatory authorities are mandatory and must be strictly observed.

“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,” he added.

The party noted that the judgment represents a significant affirmation of the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings seeking the deregistration of some opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 polls.