The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which reportedly set aside its earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
In a statement posted on it’s X official handle, the party maintained that it had not been deregistered and announced plans to immediately challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
According to the NDC, the court’s latest decision followed an application filed by an association known as the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which it described as an unregistered body with no role in the ongoing political process.
The party recalled that in December 2025, it successfully secured a Federal High Court judgment compelling INEC to register it as a political party after challenging the electoral body’s refusal to do so.
It stated that following its registration, it had fully complied with electoral requirements by registering members nationwide, conducting ward, local government, state and national congresses, holding its national convention, and concluding primary elections for all elective positions in line with INEC’s timetable.
The NDC also noted that it participated in the recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and had nominated candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, presidential and vice-presidential elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party argued that the Peace Movement Party was neither a registered political party nor an association currently seeking registration under the ongoing registration exercise, adding that its claim was based on an unsuccessful application dating back to 2015.
It further contended that the Federal High Court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment in the matter and had already resolved issues relating to the use of the party’s symbol and colours.
The NDC expressed surprise that the court assumed jurisdiction over the application and granted the order setting aside its earlier judgment.
“There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision and have instructed our lawyers to immediately approach the Court of Appeal to challenge both the jurisdiction of the court and the propriety of the order,” the party said.
Reassuring its candidates and supporters, the NDC insisted that it remained a registered political party and expressed confidence that the appellate court would overturn the ruling.
The party also condemned what it described as attempts to undermine democratic participation and restrict opposition voices, insisting that Nigerians deserve a broad range of political choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
