The African Alliance Party (AAP) has been officially declared a legally registered political party in Nigeria by the Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, marking a significant legal victory for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The judgment, delivered in Appeal No. CA/MK/102/26, was filed by AAP against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and Secretary Dr. Rose Oriarian-Anthony. National Chairman of the party, Rev. Peters Olusegun Iyaobaje, announced the decision in a statement issued on Thursday, emphasizing that the court’s ruling affirms AAP’s constitutional right to registration.
The appellate court ruled that AAP is deemed a duly registered political party by operation of law. This conclusion was based on INEC’s failure to challenge the party’s eligibility for registration within the 90-day constitutional window provided for political party registration. According to the court, INEC’s inaction during this period effectively foreclosed any legal grounds to object to AAP’s registration, making the party’s status as a registered entity a matter of constitutional right.
As a result of the judgment, the court directed INEC to issue and deliver a certificate of registration to the African Alliance Party without further delay. The order is binding on INEC and all its officers, meaning the commission must comply immediately. The ruling underscores that constitutional timelines for regulatory bodies are not merely advisory but mandatory, and failure to act within them cannot be used to deny eligible parties their rights.
Iyaobaje highlighted that the decision reinforces the rule of law and strengthens Nigeria’s multiparty democratic framework. He stressed that the judgment protects the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that political parties are not arbitrarily denied registration due to bureaucratic delays or inaction by electoral authorities. This legal affirmation comes at a critical time, as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, and amid ongoing legal challenges seeking the deregistration of several opposition parties.
The AAP’s success in court sends a clear message about the importance of accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral governance. It also sets a precedent for other political parties facing similar challenges. As the country moves closer to the next election cycle, this ruling may influence how INEC handles future party registrations and challenges, ensuring compliance with constitutional timelines. The decision is expected to bolster public confidence in the fairness and legality of Nigeria’s electoral system.
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