**INEC's Absence Fuels Speculations in APP Deregistration Case** A Federal High Court in Owerri recently adjourned the case seeking to disqualify the Action Peoples Party (APP) from participating in elections due to its deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The adjournment, scheduled for April 16, has sparked heated debates about the electoral commission's intentions. The case, filed by Franklin Ngoforo of Civic Action for Democracy, seeks to have the APP deregistered as a political party. INEC's failure to send a legal representative to court has raised eyebrows, with some speculating that the commission may be trying to avoid a confrontation. On the other hand, the APP's legal team requested more time to prepare their defence, citing the complexity of the case. This adjournment is a significant development in Nigeria's quest for electoral integrity. Constitutional lawyer Chinyere Obi believes that INEC's absence may be a sign that they have no defence to present or are conceding the plaintiff's argument by default. Civil society organisations, who were present in court, have vowed to put pressure on INEC to ensure that the right thing is done. The APP's deregistration by INEC on February 6, 2020, was affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in March 2022. However, the case has significant implications for the country's electoral landscape. If the APP is ultimately deregistered, it could set a precedent for other political parties. As Nigeria gears up for future elections, the outcome of this case will have far-reaching consequences. Will INEC's absence be a strategic move or a sign of weakness? Only time will tell.