The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution of the judgment of the Federal High Court that directed the deregistration of five political parties, pending the determination of appeals filed against the ruling. The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The appellate court granted the application following submissions by counsel representing the affected parties, who argued that the Federal High Court delivered its judgment despite an existing order of the Court of Appeal restraining further proceedings in the matter. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), through its legal representatives, informed the court that it did not oppose the request for a stay of execution. The electoral body maintained that it was not notified of the delivery of the lower court's judgment and only became aware of the development through media reports. Counsel for the political parties further contended that allowing the judgment to take effect before the conclusion of the appeals could create confusion within the political system and negatively impact preparations for forthcoming electoral activities, including by-elections. In its ruling, the Court of Appeal ordered that the status quo be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the substantive appeals, effectively suspending the implementation of the Federal High Court's judgment. The case has attracted significant public and political attention, as the outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's multi-party democratic system and the participation of the affected political parties in future elections. Further proceedings in the matter are expected as the appellate court continues to hear arguments from all parties involved.