The African Alliance Party (AAP) has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and register the party, describing the decision as a major victory for democracy and the rule of law ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party, which participated in the 2025 political party registration process, said the ruling affirmed its legal status and ordered INEC to issue its certificate of registration without delay.
Speaking in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, National Chairman of the party, Rev. Olusegun Peters, described the judgment as a landmark decision that strengthens Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
According to Peters, the ruling was delivered by the Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi in Appeal No. CA/MK/102/2026, in a suit involving the AAP and INEC alongside its leadership.
He said the appellate court held that the party became duly registered by operation of law after INEC failed to raise any objection or challenge its eligibility within the constitutionally stipulated 60-day period for political party registration.
Peters explained that the court found the electoral commission’s inaction within the statutory timeframe prevented it from making any future objections to the party’s registration.
Reacting to the judgment, he commended the judiciary for what he described as its commitment to upholding democratic principles.
According to him, the ruling reinforces the principle that constitutional timelines imposed on regulatory institutions are binding and cannot be ignored.
He argued that administrative delays should not be used to deny political associations their constitutional rights or frustrate participation in the democratic process.
While celebrating the judgment, Peters called on INEC to implement the court’s order immediately to avoid affecting the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
He noted that the legal dispute had already caused the party to miss some preliminary electoral activities and stressed the need for urgent action.
“Time is of the essence. We urge INEC to immediately issue our Certificate of Registration to enable the AAP to fully integrate into the electoral process, submit its updated membership register and conduct party primaries,” he said.
Peters added that timely compliance would ensure that members of the party across the country are not disenfranchised and would allow the party to align with the official electoral timetable.
He also appreciated the party’s legal team from Everlaw Associates, led by O. Marx Ikongbeh, as well as supporters nationwide for their support throughout the legal process.
He maintained that the AAP remains committed to offering Nigerians what he described as a credible alternative in the 2027 general elections.
