NDC rejects Lokoja Court ruling, insists it remains registered party
By Abibu Shehu Ibrahim
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has rejected the ruling of a Federal High Court in Lokoja setting aside its earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the party.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the NDC insisted that it had not been deregistered and announced plans to immediately challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
The party said the court’s latest decision followed an application filed by the Peace Movement Party, which it described as an unregistered association with no role in the ongoing political process.
The NDC recalled that it secured a judgment from the Federal High Court in December 2025 compelling INEC to register it as a political party after successfully challenging the electoral body’s refusal to do so.
It stated that following its registration, it complied with all electoral requirements by registering members across the country, conducting ward, local government, state and national congresses, holding its national convention, and concluding primary elections for all elective positions in line with INEC’s timetable.
The party added that it participated in the recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and had nominated candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, presidential and vice-presidential elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NDC argued that the Peace Movement Party was neither a registered political party nor an association seeking registration under the ongoing registration exercise, adding that its claim was based on an unsuccessful application submitted in 2015.
It further contended that the Federal High Court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment in the matter and had already resolved issues relating to the party’s symbol and colours.
The party expressed surprise that the court assumed jurisdiction over the application and granted the order setting aside its earlier judgment.
“There was no order directing our deregistration.
However, we are dissatisfied with the decision and have instructed our lawyers to immediately approach the Court of Appeal to challenge both the jurisdiction of the court and the propriety of the order,” the statement read.
Reassuring its candidates and supporters, the NDC maintained that it remained a duly registered political party and expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling.
The party also condemned what it described as attempts to undermine democratic participation and stifle opposition voices, insisting that Nigerians deserve a broad range of political choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
