The African Alliance Party, AAP, has said that the Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division, has declared the party a legally registered political party in Nigeria.

National Chairman of the party, Rev. Peters Olusegun Iyaobaje, in a statement on Thursday, said the judgment was delivered in Appeal No. CA/MK/102/26, filed by the party against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, and the Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriarian-Anthony.

According to Iyaobaje, the appellate court held that AAP is deemed to be a duly registered political party by operation of law.

The statement explained, “The basis of the court’s decision was that INEC failed to challenge the party’s eligibility for registration within the constitutionally prescribed 90-day window available for the registration of political parties.

“The court found that INEC’s failure to act within that period foreclosed any objection to the party’s registration, thereby entitling AAP to be treated as a registered political party as a matter of constitutional right.

“Consequent upon its findings, the court directed INEC to issue and deliver a certificate of registration to the African Alliance Party without further delay. This order is binding on INEC and all its officers.

“This judgment reinforces the principle that constitutional timelines imposed on regulatory authorities are not merely directory but are mandatory in nature. INEC’s inaction within the prescribed period cannot be used as an instrument to deny eligible political associations their right to registration.”

The party said the decision is a significant affirmation of the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic framework ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The judgment is coming amid a suit seeking the deregistration of some Nigerian opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, says the party gave Peter Obi the presidential candidate without collecting a dime from him.

Speaking at an NDC stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, Dickson said the party also allowed Obi to pick his running mate without interference.

He wondered what Obi’s supporters, the Obidients, want from him and the party.

“We gave Obi the presidential ticket free of charge and allowed him to choose his vice presidential candidate without any interference from the party. What else do people want?

“I will have no issues giving the presidential nomination to them.  And like I said last night, nobody demanded money from them. Not me or the national chairman.

“At this point we should be working together to ensure victory at the polls come 2027, and I believe we can do it,” he said.

All Progressives Congress, APC,  National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda has said that Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State is the best candidate in the upcoming governorship election in the state.

Yilwatda made the announcement during the inauguration of the APC National Campaign Council for the Ekiti Governorship election, slated for June 20.

The APC national chairman stated that the ruling party has enough supporters to win the upcoming Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 presidential election.

He said, “You’re linking roads and bringing people together all across the state.

“We are happy to celebrate you, and I’m grateful to God for giving you to the people of Ekiti and to our party as well.

“Today, we are presenting you to the people of Ekiti for another term in office. As a group, we are really pleased and excited to have you with us.

“You are one of the top choices for this election; the people don’t really have a choice, because it looks like you are the only real candidate in this election.

“APC has the capability and is ready to win any election.”