COURT OVERTURNS INEC DECISION, ORDERS REGISTRATION OF ABUNDANCE SOCIAL PARTY (ASP)
ABUJA — In a major legal victory for political associations seeking entry into the nation’s political landscape, the Federal High Court in Abuja has quashed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deny registration to the Abundance Social Party (ASP). The court declared the party "deemed registered" and ordered the electoral umpire to issue its official certificate of registration within seven days. The landmark judgment, delivered on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu, strongly rebuked INEC for overstepping its statutory boundaries and introducing "extraneous requirements" outside the 1999 Constitution. The Genesis of the Suit The legal battle began after Frank Nkem Oruwa and Oripelaye Sikiru Ismaila—suing for themselves and as representatives of the ASP—filed an Originating Summons on December 31, 2025. They challenged an INEC letter dated December 18, 2025, which rejected thei...