NDC Plans Appeal Following Court Judgment on Party Registration
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that it will contest the Federal High Court’s recent ruling in Lokoja that annulled the earlier order mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. The NDC aims to challenge this decision in the Court of Appeal promptly.
Judicial Ruling Raises Controversy
In a decision handed down on Friday, Justice Isa Dashen ruled that the court’s earlier judgment on December 10, 2025, which had supported the Peace Movement Party’s (PMP) bid for registration and directed INEC to register the NDC, was issued without hearing from all relevant stakeholders. As a result, this judgment has been deemed null and void.
NDC Decries Legal Flaws
In a statement issued by its national chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zwoge, the NDC asserted that the initial judgment was legally flawed and confirmed that their legal team has been instructed to file an appeal. Zwoge emphasized that the party had successfully countered INEC’s refusal to grant registration and had legally secured its registration.
Political Activities Underway
Zwoge further elaborated that, following the court’s order, the NDC has been actively engaged in political endeavors as outlined by INEC’s timetable. This includes membership registration, hosting congresses from the district to national levels, and conducting conventions. He noted that the party has completed primaries for all available offices and has been participating in all INEC activities without any obstruction.
Participation in Recent Elections
The NDC has also taken part in recent by-elections held in Nasarawa and Enugu states and has completed the nomination process for candidates across all elective positions for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Zwoge confirmed that candidates for the House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, as well as Presidential and Vice Presidential nominations have been formally submitted to INEC in accordance with their established schedule.
Legal Challenge to PMP’s Status
The NDC raised questions regarding the legal status of the Peace Movement Party, labeling it an unregistered organization that allegedly attempted to adopt the same victory symbol utilized by the NDC. The party emphasized that the PMP is not currently a registered political entity in Nigeria and does not participate in the political process as the NDC does.
Concerns for Democratic Space
Furthermore, the NDC posited that the recent legal challenge represents an attempt to constrict Nigeria’s democratic framework ahead of the 2027 elections. They contended that citizens deserve a robust multi-party democracy where varying political ideologies can engage freely in the electoral process. The NDC argued that the judicial attempts to overturn prior decisions through unconventional methods undermine the integrity of the legal system and diminish the multi-party landscape that is vital for Nigerian democracy.
