The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has strongly rejected Friday’s Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, insisting the party has not been deregistered and will immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
In a detailed statement, the party described the ruling by Justice Isah Dashen as surprising and legally flawed, arguing that the court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment in December 2025 compelling INEC to register the NDC.
The statement reads in part, “There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision that has been made, and we have instructed our team of lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of His Lordship’s order.”
The NDC emphasised its full compliance with INEC processes since registration, including membership registration, congresses, conventions, primaries, and participation in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states.
“We have been fully participating in all INEC activities without let or hindrance,” the party stated. “Candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, Presidential, and Vice-Presidential positions have been duly nominated, and we are in the process of formally submitting them to INEC in accordance with INEC’s timetable.”
The party criticised the Peace Movement Party (PMP), describing it as an unregistered association that lacked *locus standi* to bring the application. It noted that the PMP was not a party to the original suit and had not appealed the December 2025 judgment within the allowed time.
“Therefore, 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, and furthermore, that he has jurisdiction to do what he did,” the statement said.
The NDC further described the move as “an outright abuse of court process” and “unheard-of.”
Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, National Chairman of the NDC, assured supporters and candidates that the party remains on course, “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.”
The statement concluded by condemning attempts to “shrink the democratic space” ahead of the 2027 general elections and thanked Nigerians for their continued support.
