Richard Akinnola faults Abuja court over ADC, others deregistration judgment
By KEMI KASUMU
“Pursuant to this Court of Appeal order of May 22, 2026, which fixed the hearing of the appeal for October 27, 2026, the Federal High Court judge, on June 5, adjourned the matter sine die (indefinitely). Then, dramatically, yesterday, the same judge proceeded to give judgment. I don’t get it,” Akinnola stated.
Veteran journalist, lawyer and author, Richard Akinnola, has criticized the Federal High Court in Abuja over its recent judgment concerning the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties, describing the development as troubling for Nigeria’s judiciary.
Akinnola, in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, expressed surprise at what he described as inconsistencies in the handling of the case by the courts.
According to him, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had earlier issued an order on May 22, 2026, scheduling the hearing of an appeal in the matter for October 27, 2026. Following the appellate court’s directive, the Federal High Court reportedly adjourned the case indefinitely on June 5 pending the determination of the appeal.
However, Akinnola said he was shocked that the same Federal High Court subsequently proceeded to deliver judgment in the matter on Monday, June 15, 2026.
“Pursuant to this Court of Appeal order of May 22, 2026, which fixed the hearing of the appeal for October 27, 2026, the Federal High Court judge, on June 5, adjourned the matter sine die (indefinitely). Then, dramatically, yesterday, the same judge proceeded to give judgment. I don’t get it,” Akinnola stated.
To support his position, the legal practitioner shared screenshots of the Court of Appeal’s order on his Facebook page.
The development has reportedly sparked reactions from concerned Nigerians, with some calling on relevant judicial authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the judgment and take appropriate disciplinary action if any wrongdoing is established.
The case has generated debate over judicial processes and adherence to appellate court directives, with observers urging transparency and strict compliance with the rule of law.
Screenshots of Appeal Court order suspending Federal High Court over ADC de-registration:
