LPP: Appeal Court Orders INEC To Register New Political Party

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Liberation People’s Party (LPP) as a political party and issue it a certificate of registration within 30 days.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court set aside the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which had refused the reliefs sought by the political association.

The three-member panel held that the LPP was deemed duly registered under Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, effective from December 2025.

The court said the effective date was 60 days after the party submitted its application to INEC.

The panel comprised Justices Banjoko, Abang and Oyewunmi.

The court also awarded ₦5 million in damages against INEC and an additional ₦500,000 as cost of litigation.

The judgment followed an appeal filed by the LPP challenging the decision of the Federal High Court delivered by Justice B.F.M. Nyako.

According to the party, it was among 14 political associations prequalified by INEC from 171 applicants seeking registration in 2025.

The LPP said it paid the mandatory ₦2 million administrative fee and was issued an access code valid for 30 days to upload its registration documents on INEC’s online portal.

However, the party alleged that INEC blocked its access to the portal before the deadline expired, preventing it from completing the registration process.

Reacting to the ruling, lead counsel to the party, John Nwobodo, described the judgment as a victory for democracy, justice and the rule of law.

“We appreciate the Justices of the Court of Appeal for upholding justice and reaffirming the judiciary as the last hope of the common man,” he said.

Nwobodo added that the LPP would remain committed to democratic values, inclusiveness and wider political participation.