INEC Restores NDC Portal Access as Peter Obi, Seriake Dickson’s Names Are Uploaded Despite Court Battle

INEC Restores NDC Portal Access as Peter Obi, Seriake Dickson’s Names Are Uploaded Despite Court Battle

Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) access to its candidate nomination portal, allowing the party to begin uploading the names of its candidates, including presidential candidate Peter Obi and National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, despite the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the party's status.

The development marks a significant breakthrough for the opposition party as it prepares for the upcoming general elections.

Seriake Dickson Confirms Restoration of INEC Portal

Senator Seriake Dickson announced the development on Tuesday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, describing the move as a major victory for the party following its legal challenge against a recent Federal High Court ruling.

According to Dickson, the NDC has already filed a Notice of Appeal alongside an Application for Stay of Execution against last week's judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

He revealed that both legal documents had been officially served on INEC with a formal request urging the electoral body to act in accordance with the law while the appeal is being determined.

Peter Obi and Dickson Already Uploaded to INEC Portal

Dickson disclosed that the party has successfully uploaded both his name and that of Peter Obi to INEC's nomination portal.

He added that the vice-presidential candidate's details would be uploaded after the completion of the necessary documentation, while the nomination process for governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly candidates is also progressing.

According to him, the restoration of portal access confirms that the NDC remains an active participant in Nigeria's electoral process.

NDC Insists It Remains a Legally Recognised Political Party

The former Bayelsa State governor stressed that the NDC remains a duly registered political party and has validly conducted its primary elections under the supervision of INEC.

He explained that all party primaries were officially monitored and documented by the electoral commission, meaning the emergence of candidates remains valid under Nigerian law.

"The Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered political party. Our candidates emerged through primaries observed and monitored by INEC, and what remains is simply the administrative process of uploading their names," Dickson stated.

No Cause for Panic, Dickson Tells Party Members

Dickson urged party members and supporters to remain calm, assuring them that there is ample time to complete all candidate submissions within INEC's official timetable.

According to him:

- National Assembly candidates can still be uploaded until July 11.

- Governorship and State House of Assembly candidates have until July 17.

He emphasized that there is no threat to the party's participation in the elections and encouraged members to remain focused.

Reconciliation Begins Within NDC

The senator also revealed that reconciliation efforts have commenced following the party primaries.

He appealed to aspirants who were unsuccessful during the nomination process to remain loyal to the party, assuring them that everyone would play important roles in the campaign structure.

According to Dickson, all party stakeholders will be integrated into campaign committees and grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the elections.

Dickson Commends INEC, Awaits Court Decision

Dickson praised INEC for what he described as its professionalism in handling the situation and expressed confidence that the judiciary would fairly determine the pending appeal.

He maintained that the legal process should be allowed to run its course, insisting that the NDC remains legally recognized until a final judicial decision is reached.

Background to the Legal Dispute

The latest development follows the NDC's appeal against a recent Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that created uncertainty over the party's registration status.

However, party leaders insist the judgment neither dissolved nor deregistered the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Pending the outcome of the appeal, the NDC maintains that it remains a valid political party with the constitutional right to nominate candidates for all elective offices.

What This Means for Nigeria's Political Landscape

The restoration of the nomination portal represents a significant boost for the Nigeria Democratic Congress as it races to finalize its candidate list.

With Peter Obi's presidential nomination now uploaded and other candidates expected to follow, the party appears determined to remain fully engaged in Nigeria's electoral process despite the ongoing legal contest.

Political observers say the court's eventual ruling could have major implications for the country's opposition landscape as preparations for the elections gather momentum.

INEC, Peter Obi, Seriake Dickson, Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, INEC nomination portal, Nigerian elections, Federal High Court, political parties in Nigeria, 2027 election, breaking news Nigeria, Peter Obi latest news.

INEC restores NDC portal access