By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos,m: The Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Solidarity Movement (GOHSM), Lagos State chapter, has applauded the Court of Appeal’s judgment staying the execution of a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of Accord Party and four other political parties.
The General Secretary and Director of Organisation of the group, Mr Oluseyi Daniel, commended the appellate court in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
He described the appellate court’s decision as a victory for democracy, constitutional order and the rule of law.
(Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hassin, the Accord Party Presidential Candidate)
Daniel said the judgment reaffirmed the independence of political parties and strengthened citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.
He commended the Court of Appeal for what he described as a courageous intervention in defence of democracy and judicial discipline.
“The ruling has restored hope to members of Accord Party and millions of Nigerians who believe in a multiparty democratic system.
“It is a victory not only for the affected political parties but also for democracy, justice and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in the political process,” he said.
Daniel expressed concern over the conduct of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, whose judgment had ordered the deregistration of the affected parties.
According to him, the appellate court’s observations on the matter underscore the need for accountability within the judiciary.
He urged relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the judgment and take appropriate measures to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s judicial system.
The group also congratulated the leadership and members of Accord Party for remaining steadfast throughout the legal battle.
Daniel said the judgment had further strengthened the resolve of party members and supporters across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said the development had renewed confidence in the leadership qualities and vision of the party’s presidential candidate, Chief Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.
According to him, Nigerians are increasingly looking for credible leadership capable of addressing the nation’s economic and security challenges.
“There is hope for the Nigerian masses with Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as President in 2027.
“We believe his track record, experience and commitment to national development place him in a strong position to provide the purposeful leadership Nigerians desire.
“The country needs a leader who can unite the people, revive the economy and restore confidence in governance,” Daniel said.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and participate actively in the nation’s political process.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday ordered the deregistration of Accord Party, African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party and Zenith Labour Party.
The judge also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to allow the affected parties to participate in subsequent elections, including the 2027 general elections.
However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday ordered a stay of execution of a judgment directing INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and three other political parties.
In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice A.B. Mohammed, the appellate court faulted the decision of the lower court to proceed with its judgment despite an earlier order directing a suspension of proceedings.
The court described the action as a violation of the hierarchy of courts and granted reliefs sought by the affected political parties pending the determination of the substantive appeal. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)