NDC Reacts to Lokoja Court Ruling, Says Party Not Deregistered as Peter Obi Heads to Appeal

NDC Reacts to Court Ruling, Insists Party Remains Registered as Peter Obi Vows Legal Battle

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has insisted that it remains a legally registered political party despite a recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that set aside an earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.

The development has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria's political landscape, with the party maintaining that the judgment does not amount to deregistration and confirming that it has already begun the process of appealing the decision.

Federal High Court Sets Aside Earlier NDC Registration Judgment

The controversy began after Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja ruled on an application filed by an association known as the Peace Movement Party (PMP).

According to the NDC, the association argued that it had previously sought registration with the "Victory" symbol in 2015 and requested that the court overturn its earlier judgment in favor of the NDC.

However, the NDC described the ruling as surprising, insisting that the Peace Movement Party is neither a registered political party nor part of the ongoing registration exercise initiated by INEC.

NDC Says It Has Already Become an Active Political Party

In a detailed statement, the party explained that following the court's December 2025 judgment, INEC officially registered the NDC.

Since then, the party said it has:

- Registered members nationwide.

- Conducted ward, local government, state and national congresses.

- Held its national convention.

- Successfully completed party primaries.

- Participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu States.

- Nominated candidates for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship, Vice Presidential and Presidential elections.

The party added that preparations were already underway to submit the names of its candidates to INEC in accordance with the electoral timetable.

NDC: 'We Have Not Been Deregistered'

The party stressed that the Lokoja court did not issue any order directing INEC to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Instead, it maintained that the judgment merely set aside the previous decision that ordered INEC to register the party.

According to the NDC, the court had already delivered a final judgment in the case, making it functus officio—a legal principle meaning the court had exhausted its authority over the matter.

The party argued that all issues relating to its party logo, colours and symbol had already been resolved during the original proceedings.

Peter Obi's Media Office Breaks Silence

Reacting to the judgment, the media office of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi described the ruling as a temporary setback rather than a defeat.

In a statement signed by Idris Zekeri Jnr. on behalf of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), supporters were urged to remain calm while the party's legal team studies the judgment.

The statement emphasized that legal steps would immediately be taken at the Court of Appeal.

According to the media office, challenges of this nature were expected as part of efforts to reshape Nigeria's political landscape.

Peter Obi Camp: 'Today's Ruling Is a Hurdle, Not a Stop Sign'

The Peter Obi Media Reach said the coalition remains committed to providing Nigerians with an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It stated that the movement would continue pursuing all available legal remedies to protect its constitutional rights.

The statement further encouraged supporters not to lose hope, insisting that while the legal battle may temporarily slow the process, it would not derail the party's political ambitions.

NDC Heads to the Court of Appeal

The NDC confirmed that its legal team has been instructed to immediately file an appeal challenging both the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and the validity of Friday's ruling.

The party expressed confidence that the appellate court would overturn the decision and reaffirm its legal status.

It also condemned what it described as attempts to shrink Nigeria's democratic space and suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections.

What This Means for the 2027 Elections

For now, the legal battle is expected to continue at the Court of Appeal.

Although the Federal High Court set aside its earlier judgment, the NDC insists it has not been deregistered and maintains that its political activities will continue while the appeal is being pursued.

The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for the participation of the NDC and its candidates in the 2027 general elections.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) deregistered?

No. According to the party, the Federal High Court did not issue any order directing INEC to deregister the NDC.

Why did the court set aside its earlier judgment?

The ruling followed an application by the Peace Movement Party, which claimed it had previously sought registration using the Victory symbol.

What is the NDC's response?

The party has rejected the ruling and announced that it will immediately appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal.

What did Peter Obi say about the ruling?

Through his media office, Peter Obi described the judgment as a temporary setback and urged supporters to remain calm while legal action is pursued.

Will the ruling affect the 2027 elections?

The issue is now expected to be determined by the Court of Appeal. Until then, the NDC says it remains committed to participating in the 2027 electoral process.

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