The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has maintained that it remains a legally recognized political party despite a recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
In a statement issued following the ruling by Justice Isah Dashen, the NDC said the decision arose from an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), an association it described as unregistered and unknown to the party.
The NDC recalled that in December 2025 it successfully challenged INEC’s refusal to register the party, with the Federal High Court affirming its constitutional right to freedom of association and directing the electoral commission to register it as a political party.
According to the party, following its registration, it commenced full political activities, including nationwide membership registration, ward, local government, state, and national congresses, as well as its national convention and primary elections in line with INEC’s approved timetable.
The party also noted that it participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu States and has already nominated candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, Presidential, and Vice-Presidential elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the latest ruling, the NDC argued that the Peace Movement Party is neither a registered political party nor an association currently seeking registration under the ongoing exercise. It further contended that the Federal High Court had already delivered a final judgment in its case against INEC and had become functus officio, meaning it lacked jurisdiction to revisit the matter.
The party stressed that the court’s latest ruling did not order the deregistration of the NDC. However, it expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to set aside the earlier judgment and announced that its legal team had been instructed to file an immediate appeal before the Court of Appeal.
The NDC reassured its candidates, members, and supporters that its political activities would continue uninterrupted while the appellate court considers the matter.
The party also condemned what it described as attempts to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and suppress opposition voices, arguing that citizens should be free to choose from a broad range of political parties and candidates as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
The legal dispute is expected to shift to the Court of Appeal, where the NDC will seek to overturn the Lokoja High Court’s decision while maintaining that it remains on course to participate fully in the 2027 electoral process.
