The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has welcomed the Court of Appeal judgment setting aside the Federal High Court’s decision proscribing five registered political parties.
A statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Martins Egbeola, said the judgment strengthened democracy and the rule of law.
Egbeola described the appellate court’s decision as a courageous reaffirmation of constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.
The council said the judgment restored confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and reaffirmed the constitutional guarantees of political participation.
It added that the verdict strengthened stakeholders’ confidence in the Nigerian project and reassured citizens that democracy and constitutional governance remained firmly protected.
According to IPAC, democracy can only flourish where constitutional provisions are respected and judicial pronouncements are based strictly on the law and established facts.
“As the umbrella body of registered political parties, we have consistently maintained that democracy thrives when constitutional provisions are respected and judicial decisions remain grounded in the law,” the statement said.
The council said the Court of Appeal had once again demonstrated the indispensable role of appellate courts in safeguarding constitutionalism and correcting judicial errors that threaten democratic institutions.
IPAC commended the Court of Appeal justices for what it described as a sound and courageous judgment that upheld constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The council reiterated its earlier call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sustain its efforts to sanitise the judiciary through the thorough investigation of questionable judgments.
It urged the NJC to beam its searchlight particularly on judicial officers in the lower courts whose decisions were manifestly inconsistent with constitutional provisions and judicial standards.
“Identifying and appropriately dealing with judicial officers whose decisions generate constitutional crises or political tensions will strengthen public confidence in the administration of justice,” it stated.
The council said such proactive measures would lessen the burden on superior courts, reduce needless litigation, and prevent future occurrences capable of destabilising Nigeria’s democratic process.
It described the judiciary as one of democracy’s most sacred institutions, stressing that judicial independence must always be matched with accountability, constitutional fidelity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
IPAC urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast in defending democratic values, respecting constitutional institutions, and supporting reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s justice delivery system and democratic governance.
“Together, we can continue to deepen democracy and build a nation where justice, equity, and the rule of law prevail,” the council stated.(NAN)
