The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed a Federal High Court judgment nullifying its registration, insisting that the ruling will not prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general elections.
On Friday, a Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Isah Dashen held that the court’s December 10, 2025, judgment was delivered without hearing all necessary parties, rendering the proceedings constitutionally defective.
Reacting during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured members that the decision would not derail the party’s preparations for the elections.
“We were scheduled to pick up our code to start uploading the names of our candidates today, but the ruling came up. I think it was designed and timed to stop us from picking up those codes. But I can assure you that we will pick them up,” he said.
“We will upload the names of our candidates, and we will participate in the elections. Our supporters, members and candidates have nothing to fear. All our candidates will be on the ballot in 2027, and we will win elections.”
Enekweizu also criticised the current administration, arguing that worsening hardship, insecurity and economic challenges have increased public support for the opposition.
The party’s leader, Seriake Dickson, also rejected the court ruling, describing it as unlawful and a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
“All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand,” Dickson said.
“It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space. It will be resisted by all of us and by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.”
Dickson disclosed that the party had constituted a legal team to challenge the judgment and urged members, supporters and candidates to remain calm while continuing preparations for future elections.
He also questioned the legal standing of the applicant, identified as the Peace Movement Party, arguing that it was neither a registered political party nor among the associations that applied for registration with INEC in 2025, and therefore lacked the legal interest to institute the suit.
The NDC leader further alleged that the legal action was orchestrated by individuals uncomfortable with the party’s rapid growth, insisting that the judgment would not disrupt its political activities.
Meanwhile, the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, confirmed that the NDC has directed its legal team to file an appeal against the ruling, maintaining that all candidates nominated on the party’s platform remain valid pending the outcome of the appeal.
