The Accord Party has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision overturning a Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party and four others, describing the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Chairman, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, said the appellate court’s verdict had reaffirmed public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system and strengthened the country’s democratic process.

Mgbudem said the judgment underscored the importance of due process and demonstrated that the courts remain a reliable avenue for protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.

According to him, the decision sends a clear message that efforts to undermine democratic participation would not prevail where the rule of law is upheld.

The Accord chairman alleged that the suit seeking the deregistration of the party was intended to prevent Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, from participating in the August 15 governorship election in the state.

He, however, expressed confidence that the legal challenge had failed and predicted that the party would record another electoral victory in the forthcoming poll.

Mgbudem maintained that Accord satisfied all constitutional and statutory requirements for its registration and had participated in elections, adding that the party should never have been included in the suit.

He also argued that those who instituted the case lacked the legal standing to do so.

The party recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier granted a stay of proceedings on May 22 and a stay of execution on June 16, 2026, pending the determination of the appeal.

Commending the appellate court’s judgment, Mgbudem also thanked Nigerians who, according to him, condemned the Federal High Court’s decision irrespective of political affiliations.

He described the support as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to democratic principles.

The Accord chairman added that the party would continue to pursue its vision of building a stable, inclusive and prosperous democratic society despite what he described as attempts by political opponents to undermine its growing influence, particularly in Osun State.