By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Action People's Party (APP) Senatorial candidate for Imo East (Owerri Zone), Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, has hailed the Federal Hight court Owerri Judicial Division ruling concerning the legal status of the party.

Amadi said the recent judicial developments have understandably generated widespread interest among members, supporters, and the general public across Imo State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

The frontline Senatorial candidate and leader of APP stated that he considered it necessary “to address these developments and reassured all those who continue to place their confidence in this great party.”

The court had in its landmark judgment delivered on June 2, 2026, by the Federal High Court, Owerri Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Justice I. N. Oweibo, in Suit No FHC/OW/CS/39/2026.

In the judgment, the court dismissed in its entirety an attempt by the plaintiff, Ngoforo Franklin, to procure the deregistration of the APP. More so, the court reaffirmed the legal status of the party and its continued right to participate fully in Nigeria's democratic process.

ln a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, Amadi lauded the court's observation that the plaintiff was fully aware of previous judicial decisions that had already settled the issues in dispute.

Explaining that the dismissal of the suit, together with the award of substantial costs against the plaintiff, underscored the court's firm position on the matter.

"For members and supporters of the APP across the country, that judgment was not merely a legal victory; it was a reaffirmation of the principles of justice, fairness, and constitutional democracy.

"The June 2 decision was also consistent with a series of earlier judicial pronouncements on the same subject. On November 21, 2025, the Federal High Court, Owerri Division, dismissed a similar attempt by one Blessing Elujiuba to secure the deregistration of the APP.

Dissatisfied with that outcome, the matter proceeded to the Court of Appeal, Owerri Judicial Division, where the legal status and continued existence of the APP were once again affirmed in a resounding judgment delivered on March 30, 2026.

"Taken together, these judgments established a clear, consistent, and unambiguous judicial position that the APP remains a lawful political party duly recognized under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

"It was therefore with a deep sense of relief and confidence that members and supporters of our party received the June 2 judgment, believing that the matter had been conclusively settled by the courts.

"It was against this backdrop that we received with surprise and concern reports of a subsequent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, purporting to order the deregistration of the APP and several other political parties.

"While we remain respectful of the judiciary and the critical role it plays in sustaining our democracy, we cannot ignore the concerns naturally arising from a judgment that appears inconsistent with previous judicial pronouncements on substantially the same issues.

"My concern, and indeed the concern of many democratically minded Nigerians, is not merely about the outcome of the judgment itself. Rather, it is about the uncertainty that conflicting decisions of courts of coordinate jurisdiction can create within our legal and democratic systems.

"The strength of the judiciary lies not only in its constitutional authority but also in the consistency, predictability, and confidence that its decisions inspire among citizens.

"We must also state, in the strongest possible terms, that we will not tolerate any attempt by political bandits and anti-democratic forces to infiltrate, compromise, or weaponize our revered Temple of Justice for partisan ends.

"The judiciary remains one of the most sacred institutions of our democracy and must never be reduced to an arena where political actors seek to achieve through judicial manipulation what they cannot secure through the democratic will of the people.

"I therefore call on judicial officers across the country to rise in defence of the integrity, independence, and dignity of their noble institution. At a time when public confidence in democratic institutions is increasingly being tested, the judiciary has a historic responsibility to stand firmly on the side of justice, consistency, and the rule of law.

"In doing so, it will not only protect its own credibility but also safeguard the pluralistic democracy that guarantees every Nigerian the freedom to associate, organize, and participate in the political process without fear of exclusion.

"The APP firmly believes that democracy thrives where political competition is conducted openly, fairly, and in accordance with the law. Political parties should rise or fall on the strength of their ideas, the quality of their leadership, and the confidence reposed in them by the electorate.

"The ballot box—not conflicting litigation—should remain the ultimate arbiter of political relevance and public acceptance.

"As our nation gradually moves closer to another electoral cycle, all political actors must recommit themselves to the democratic ideals of fairness, inclusion, and healthy competition.

"Attempts to narrow the political space through judicial contests risk undermining public confidence in our institutions and weakening the democratic choices available to the people.

"I therefore wish to state unequivocally that the APP remains a lawful political party duly recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

"Our structures across the state and the federation remain intact, our candidates remain validly nominated, and our commitment to democratic participation remains unwavering.

"We are confident that all available legal remedies will be explored and that the Constitution, the law, and the principles of justice will ultimately prevail.

"To every member of the APP, every supporter who believes in our vision, and every Nigerian who values democracy, my message is simple: remain calm, remain steadfast, and remain hopeful.

"This is not a moment for despair or uncertainty. Rather, it is a moment to deepen our faith in democracy and in the institutions established to protect it. The APP has weathered challenges before, and each challenge has only strengthened our resolve, unity, and determination to serve the Nigerian people.

“The APP remains standing, stronger than ever, and shall continue to pursue the democratic aspirations with courage, conviction, and unwavering faith in the Nigerian people.”

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