The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been barred from deregistering some political parties in the country.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja gave the order on Monday while delivering its verdict in a suit filed against the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and INEC.
The electoral umpire had earlier in the month deregistered over 70 political parties saying they failed to meet the requirements to continually exist as a platform for seeking elective positions.
It, however, allowed the continued existence of 18 political parties.
Some of the parties, numbering over 30, dragged INEC to court, kicking against the action of the electoral body.
Anwuli Chikere, the presiding judge, asked all parties to maintain status quo until the substantive matter filed last year is heard and determined since the commission did not counter the application of the applicants.
