By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State, Mr. Effiom Edet Okon, has described the recent Court of Appeal ruling on the deregistration of political parties as a major victory for constitutional democracy and political plurality in Nigeria.
Okon, who is also the Cross River State Chairman of the Action Peoples Party (APP), said the judgment reaffirmed the principle that the power to deregister political parties is not absolute and must be exercised strictly within the confines of the law.
Speaking in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar, the IPAC chairman noted that the ruling, which affected parties including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Accord Party, represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
According to him, the court’s decision strengthens the rule of law and safeguards the country’s multiparty system, which he described as the foundation of any genuine democracy.
He argued that the judgment sends a strong message to democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), that democracy should be nurtured and expanded rather than constrained through actions that limit political participation.
Okon maintained that smaller political parties such as the APP, ADC and Accord Party play critical roles in broadening democratic engagement, providing voters with alternatives and preventing the concentration of political power in the hands of a few dominant parties.
He said IPAC in Cross River State welcomed the verdict as a necessary correction capable of reinforcing justice, fairness and inclusiveness in the nation’s political process.
“Democracy thrives on inclusion, competition and fairness, not exclusion. Any action aimed at shrinking the political space must be carefully examined against constitutional provisions,” he stated.
The IPAC chairman called on INEC and other stakeholders to respect both the spirit and letters of the law and to work collaboratively with all registered political parties to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy ahead of future elections.
He stressed that the country’s democratic growth must continue to be guided by justice, equity and respect for the rule of law, adding that the Appeal Court ruling has further strengthened public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.
