By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected Friday’s ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja that set aside its earlier judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, describing the decision as flawed and legally unsustainable.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday by its National Chairman, Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, the NDC announced that it has instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal at the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of the Lokoja ruling.
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The party noted that following the Federal High Court’s December 2025 judgment, which upheld its constitutional right to freedom of association and compelled INEC to register it, the NDC has been operating fully as a political party. It has conducted congresses from ward to national levels, held a national convention, completed primaries across all positions, and participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states.
“Since then, we have started political activities, embarked on the registration of members, held congresses from ward to national levels, held conventions, and concluded primaries to all offices following INEC’s timetable. We have been fully participating in all INEC activities without let or hindrance,” the statement read.
The NDC expressed surprise that the court entertained an application from the unregistered Peace Movement Party (PMP) — an association it says has no current stake in the registration exercise — and proceeded to set aside a final judgment.
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The party argued that the court had become functus officio after delivering the December 2025 judgment and that the PMP lacked the necessary locus standi to bring such an application.
“We are surprised that, on an application by an association claiming that it wanted to register as a political party with the victory sign in 2015… His Lordship came to the conclusion that they have locus standi,” the statement added.
The NDC made it clear that no order of deregistration was made against it, and it remains a duly registered political party with all its candidates and nominations intact.
“We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party is on course. The NDC has not been deregistered… We have no doubt that justice will be done.”
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The party condemned what it described as deliberate attempts by certain forces to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and stifle opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“It is too late for anyone to attempt to use the judiciary to derail or narrow Nigeria’s multi-party democratic space,” the statement emphasised.
The development has added fresh uncertainty to the political landscape as the NDC, which fields Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as running mate, continues preparations for the 2027 polls.
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By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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