Following the ruling by a Federal High Court in Lokoja setting aside an earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has decided to appeal the judgment.
In a statement on Thursday, NDC National Chairman, Moses Zuwoghe, said the party has instructed its lawyers to challenge the ruling at the court of appeal, insisting it has not been deregistered despite the ruling.
While pointing out that the Federal High Court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment in the matter, the NDC noted that the ruling followed an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), an association it described as unregistered and unknown to the NDC.
The party made it clear that issues relating to its logo and symbol had already been determined in the earlier judgment with no appeal filed against the decision.
It further argued that the PMP was neither a registered political party nor an association seeking registration under the current exercise.
According to the NDC, the court’s earlier judgment in December 2025 compelled INEC to register it as a political party after finding that the commission had violated its constitutional right to freedom of association.
The party said it has since conducted membership registration, ward, local government, state and national congresses, held its national convention and concluded primaries for elective offices in line with INEC’s timetable.
The NDC added that it also participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and is preparing to submit the names of its candidates for the 2027 general election to INEC.
The NDC emphasized that the only legal option available to any party dissatisfied with the December 2025 judgment was to file an appeal within the prescribed period.
“To now try to upturn that verdict through the back door, via a motion, is not only unheard-of, but also illegal and an outright abuse of court process.
“There was no order directing our deregistration. We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party is on course.”
“The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible,” the party stated.
The NDC also accused unnamed persons of attempting to “shrink the democratic space and stifle opposition voices”.
“We condemn efforts by those who seek to shrink the democratic space and stifle opposition voices and alternatives.
“Nigerians have a right to a full range of opinions, ideas, and alternatives, and political platforms and candidates should be allowed to participate in the 2027 general election process,” the party stated.
Meanwhile, the media office of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has described the High Court ruling as a temporary setback.
In a statement, issued on Friday by the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) and signed by its spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr., the group urged his followers, political partners, and the general public to stay calm while the legal team finishes reviewing the judgment and prepares to file an appeal.
The group maintained that they fully expected to face systemic hurdles in their ongoing bid to challenge the political establishment, viewing the court’s decision as a brief obstacle rather than a permanent defeat for their political objectives.
“We have received the news of today’s bizarre ruling from the court in Lokoja regarding the legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).”
“While our legal teams are thoroughly reviewing the judgment to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures, our Principal urges all our supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to remain absolutely calm and focused.”
“We always knew that the journey to dismantle a deeply entrenched and grossly underperforming political status quo would be met with fierce institutional resistance and unexpected legal detours,” the organization stated.
“Today’s ruling is a hurdle, not a stop sign. Our commitment to providing a transparent, legitimate, and formidable alternative for Nigerians remains unshakeable. The platform we are building is robust, and our legal rights will be vigorously pursued. Do not be discouraged; the vehicle may face a temporary breakdown, but our destination remains non-negotiable,” the statement noted.
