Peter Obi and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have rejected the recent Federal High Court ruling that set aside the judgment which led to the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the decision as one that should be reviewed by a higher court.
Obi maintained that the legal challenge would not derail the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that the judicial process would ultimately resolve the dispute in accordance with the law.
The NDC has also reaffirmed that it has not been deregistered, explaining that while the Lokoja court set aside its earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, it did not issue an order expressly directing INEC to deregister it.
According to the party, its legal team has already been instructed to file an appeal before the Court of Appeal, challenging both the jurisdiction of the trial court and the propriety of the ruling.
The PDP, in its reaction, warned against actions that could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, arguing that political competition should be determined through free and fair elections rather than prolonged legal disputes.
The opposition party stressed that all eligible political parties should be allowed to participate fully in the democratic process, urging institutions to safeguard constitutional rights and maintain public confidence in the electoral system.
The controversy arose after the Federal High Court in Lokoja ruled on an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), setting aside its earlier decision that had compelled INEC to register the NDC. The NDC has consistently argued that the court had already delivered a final judgment in the matter and therefore lacked jurisdiction to revisit the case.
Political observers note that the dispute is likely to be settled by the appellate courts, whose decision is expected to clarify the legal status of the NDC ahead of the submission of candidates for the 2027 general elections.
As preparations for the elections continue, the case has become one of the first major legal battles involving political parties in the build-up to 2027, with stakeholders closely watching the outcome of the appeal and its implications for Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
