By Ambrose Amos
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has expressed concern over the judgment of the Federal High Court directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, despite issues relating to the matter being before the Court of Appeal.
Osigwe spoke at the 2026 Law Week of the NBA Gombe Branch on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, where he emphasised the need for courts to strictly observe the hierarchy of courts and respect the appellate process.
According to the NBA President, where proceedings are already pending before an appellate court, every effort must be made to avoid steps capable of undermining the authority of the appellate court or creating uncertainty in the judicial system.
He noted that the administration of justice must always be conducted in a manner that reflects consistency, due process and fidelity to the rule of law, particularly in matters with direct implications for democratic governance.
Osigwe said public confidence in the judiciary is strengthened when courts act in accordance with settled judicial principles and avoid decisions that may appear to conflict with pending appellate proceedings.
His comments came amid controversy over the Federal High Court judgment ordering INEC to deregister affected political parties, a decision that had generated concern among lawyers, politicians and stakeholders in the electoral process.
Shortly after Osigwe’s remarks, the Court of Appeal granted an order staying further action on the Federal High Court judgment pending the determination of the appeal.
The appellate court’s intervention effectively suspended the enforcement of the judgment directing the deregistration of the affected political parties.
The development has again brought attention to the importance of judicial hierarchy, appellate supervision and strict adherence to due process in politically sensitive cases.
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