NDC Crisis: Seriake Dickson Sends Strong Message to Peter Obi, Kwankwaso After Court Judgment

NDC Crisis: Seriake Dickson Sends Strong Message to Peter Obi, Kwankwaso After Court Judgment

Abuja, Nigeria – National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has urged the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, and all other candidates to remain united despite the recent Federal High Court judgment that has sparked uncertainty over the party's status.

Dickson made the appeal during Channels Television's Politics Today on Sunday, dismissing speculation that some candidates were considering abandoning the party following the court ruling.

Lokoja Court Judgment Sparks Political Tension

The controversy began after Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja overturned an earlier judgment delivered on December 10, 2025, which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a political party.

According to the court, the previous ruling affected the legal rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used in securing the registration but was not included in the original lawsuit.

The decision immediately raised concerns about the NDC's legal standing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson: "Peter Obi, Kwankwaso and Our Candidates Have Nothing to Fear"

Reacting to reports that some aspirants had become unsettled by the judgment, Dickson insisted that the party remains fully operational and that all its candidates would appear on the ballot.

«"This kind of move is intended to distract us and shake our confidence," Dickson said.»

He assured members that the party had already initiated the necessary legal processes and remained confident that its candidates would soon be uploaded to the INEC portal.

«"Our candidates are steadfast. They understand the steps the party is taking, and in no distant time, they will be uploaded. They will contest the elections and be on the ballot. There is absolutely nothing to fear."»

NDC Confident of Participating in 2027 Elections

Dickson maintained that the court ruling did not amount to the deregistration of the party.

According to him, the NDC remains legally recognized and fully committed to participating in Nigeria's next general election.

«"The NDC has not been deregistered and will not be deregistered. Justice will prevail, and the law will take its course."»

He described the legal setback as a temporary challenge rather than a threat to the party's future.

NDC Rejects Calls to Sanction Judge

When asked whether the party intended to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) against Justice Dashen, Dickson dismissed the idea.

Instead, he reaffirmed his confidence in Nigeria's judiciary and explained that the party would pursue justice through the appellate courts.

While describing the judgment as a serious legal error, he emphasized that disagreements with judicial decisions should be resolved through the established legal process rather than personal attacks on judges.

Appeal to Be Filed as Legal Battle Continues

The NDC is expected to file its appeal against the Lokoja judgment on Monday.

Party officials insist the ruling neither dissolved the NDC nor barred it from fielding candidates in the 2027 elections.

As the legal battle moves to higher courts, political observers say the outcome could have significant implications for the country's evolving political landscape.

For now, Dickson has called on Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, party leaders, supporters, and candidates to remain calm, united, and focused as the NDC prepares for what could become one of Nigeria's most closely watched legal and political contests.

Peter Obi, Seriake Dickson, Rabiu Kwankwaso, NDC, Nigeria Democratic Congress, INEC, 2027 election, Federal High Court Lokoja, Justice Isah Dashen, Nigerian politics, breaking news Nigeria, political parties in Nigeria.