By Ayodele Oni
Constitutional Lawyer and Ondo State Attorney-General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, has observed that constitutional provisions on which the Court based its judgement on Deregistration of five political parties were introduced through amendments assented to by late former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.
According to Ajulo, the legal framework predates the current administration.
He defended the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu deregistering the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and other political parties, describing the ruling as a faithful interpretation of constitutional provisions, rather than a politically motivated decision.
Ajulo, in a statement, noted that the judgment has generated widespread reactions across the country, with some critics alleging political interference and directing blame at President Bola Tinubu.
He added that, such criticisms ignore the fact that the court merely applied existing constitutional provisions governing the operation and survival of political parties in Nigeria.
He pointed to Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister political parties that fail to meet specified electoral performance thresholds.
“The law is clear and leaves little room for sentiment or political convenience. Justice Lifu did not create the law; he simply interpreted and applied it as enacted,” Ajulo stated.
He further pointed out that the constitutional provisions in question were introduced through amendments assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, stressing that the legal framework predates the current administration.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria argued that the judiciary must remain guided by the law and not by political considerations, adding that judges are duty-bound to interpret statutes as they exist.
Ajulo said democracy thrives on adherence to legal and constitutional standards, emphasizing that political parties must satisfy established requirements to retain their legal status.
He warned against treating constitutional provisions as optional, noting that political actors have a responsibility to ensure that their platforms comply with extant laws.
The Attorney-General also highlighted what he described as the irony surrounding the criticism of the judgment, observing that some prominent politicians now opposed to the ruling were influential figures during the Buhari administration when the constitutional amendments were enacted.
He maintained that legal principles should be applied consistently, regardless of whose interests are affected.
Ajulo urged Nigerians to view the judgment through the lens of constitutionalism and the rule of law rather than partisan politics.
He reiterated that the supremacy of the Constitution remains the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic system, stressing that its provisions are binding on all authorities and persons throughout the federation.
“The Constitution remains supreme, and its provisions must be respected by all, irrespective of political affiliation or status,” he said
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