NDC rejects registration ruling, heads to Appeal Court

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to challenge a Federal High Court judgment that set aside an earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, saying it has not been deregistered.

The party’s position was backed by its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the NDC caucus in the House of Representatives, the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement. They described the ruling as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja had on Friday set aside the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment that compelled INEC to register the NDC.
The court held that the earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo relied upon in obtaining the registration order but was not joined in the original suit.
Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, said the ruling restored all parties to their positions before the December judgment and nullified actions taken by INEC pursuant to that decision, pending a fresh hearing with all necessary parties joined.

Reacting, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas said the party had instructed its lawyers to immediately appeal the ruling, arguing that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to overturn its own final judgment.
“There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision and have instructed our team of lawyers to proceed immediately to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of the order,” he said.
Cleopas maintained that the Peace Movement Party lacked the legal standing to seek the order because it was neither a registered political party nor part of the original registration proceedings.
He assured party members and candidates that preparations for the 2027 elections would continue uninterrupted.
“The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal. We have no doubt that justice will be done,” he added.
The chairman also accused unnamed forces of using the courts to suppress opposition parties and narrow Nigeria’s democratic space.
Obi described the judgment as another setback for Nigeria’s democracy, saying every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be concerned.
“It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said his position was based on principle rather than political interest, stressing that his concern was for a Nigeria founded on justice, the rule of law and strong institutions.

He urged Nigerians to defend democratic institutions, warning that the country’s future depended on their survival.
The Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction also condemned the judgment, describing it as another blow to Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the faction said the order further constricted the democratic space and warned that it amounted to an attack on multiparty democracy.
It also alleged that the development aligned with efforts to weaken credible opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

Similarly, the NDC caucus in the House of Representatives rejected the ruling, describing it as a “judicial coup against democracy” and vowing to challenge it up to the Supreme Court if necessary.
The lawmakers, led by Afam Ogene, argued that the statutory period for challenging the party’s registration had already expired and questioned why INEC was not the party pursuing the latest proceedings.
Supporters of Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso also criticised the ruling.

Director-General of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, John Ughulu, alleged that the judgment was intended to prevent both politicians from appearing on the 2027 presidential ballot.

Kwankwasiyya Movement spokesman Habibu Muhammed questioned how a court of coordinate jurisdiction could overturn its own judgment, insisting only a higher court should have such powers.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, also condemned what he described as contradictory judicial pronouncements, warning against any attempt to suppress viable opposition parties or create a one-party state.

He argued that the NDC had acted on a valid court order and acquired legitimate expectations after investing resources in preparation for the elections, adding that attempts to deregister or weaken opposition parties through judicial processes would further erode public confidence in the judiciary.