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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the ruling of a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party insisted that it has not been deregistered, describing the court’s decision as surprising and legally questionable.
The NDC explained that following the December 2025 judgment, INEC duly registered the party, enabling it to carry out full political activities, including membership registration, congresses at ward, state and national levels, as well as the conduct of primaries in line with the electoral timetable.
The party further stated that it had already participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and had nominated candidates for various elective positions, including the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, presidential and vice-presidential elections.
Reacting to the latest ruling, the NDC argued that the court had become functus officio after delivering its earlier final judgment, noting that issues relating to its logo and identity had already been settled.
The party also dismissed claims by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which challenged the use of its victory sign, describing the group as an unregistered association unknown to it and not part of the original suit.
According to the NDC, the recent judgment did not expressly order its deregistration, contrary to widespread reports.
“We assure the general public, especially our candidates at all levels, that our party remains on course. The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are already taking steps to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal,” the statement said.
The party disclosed that its legal team has been instructed to contest the judgment, raising concerns over the court’s jurisdiction and the propriety of the decision.
It also accused unnamed actors of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democratic space and suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The court, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, had set aside its earlier judgment on the grounds that it affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which was not joined in the original suit.
Counsel to the PMP, C.S. Ekeocha, said the ruling effectively restored all parties to their positions prior to the December 10, 2025 judgment and reversed actions taken by INEC, including the recognition and registration of the NDC, pending the final determination of the case.
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