NDC rejects court order voiding its registration, heads to appeal court

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected an order by the federal high court in Lokoja setting aside an earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. 

A statement on Thursday by Moses Cleopas, national chairman of the NDC, said the party has instructed its lawyers to challenge the ruling at the court of appeal.

Cleopas said the ruling followed an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which he described as an unregistered association unknown to the NDC.

According to him, the federal high court had, in December 2025, upheld the party’s constitutional right to freedom of association and ordered INEC to register it as a political party.

He said the NDC has since registered members, conducted ward, local government, state and national congresses, held its national convention and concluded primaries in line with INEC’s timetable.

Cleopas added that the party participated in the recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and has nominated candidates for all elective offices ahead of the 2027 general election.

‘THERE WAS NO ORDER DIRECTING OUR DEREGISTRATION’

The NDC said the court did not order its deregistration despite setting aside the earlier judgment.

“There was no order directing our deregistration. We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party is on course,” the statement reads.

“The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible. We have no doubt that justice will be done.”

The party said all nominations made on its platform remain valid pending the determination of the appeal.

The NDC noted that the federal high court had become “functus officio” after delivering its final judgment in the matter.

The party said issues relating to its logo and symbol had already been determined in the earlier judgment and that no appeal was filed against the decision.

The party further said the PMP is neither a registered political party nor an association participating in the current registration process.

“To now try to upturn that verdict through the back door, via a motion, is not only unheard-of, but also illegal and an outright abuse of court process,” the statement added.

The NDC also accused unnamed persons of attempting to “shrink the democratic space and stifle opposition voices”.

“We condemn efforts by those who seek to shrink the democratic space and stifle opposition voices and alternatives,” the party said.

“Nigerians have a right to a full range of opinions, ideas, and alternatives, and political platforms and candidates should be allowed to participate in the 2027 general election process.”

The party expressed confidence that the court of appeal would overturn the ruling. (TheCable)