BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified efforts to overturn last week’s Federal High Court ruling that set aside its registration, with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, National Leader Seriake Dickson and other party leaders rallying support ahead of filing an appeal today at the Court of Appeal.
The legal challenge follows Friday’s judgment by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which vacated its earlier decision directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
The ruling has heightened political tensions, with opposition leaders alleging that the decision is aimed at weakening alternative political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Emergency Meetings Ahead of Appeal
A senior party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, disclosed that the NDC leadership held a series of emergency strategy meetings over the weekend to prepare for the appeal.
According to the source, Obi, Dickson, National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas, National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu, members of the National Working Committee and other party leaders participated in the consultations.
“Several closed-door meetings have taken place since the Lokoja judgment. Another emergency meeting was also held on Sunday to fine-tune preparations for today’s appeal,” the source said.
He added that while the identity of the lead counsel had yet to be disclosed, the party’s National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, would play a central role in the legal challenge.
Confirming the appeal, National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu said the party would file its processes on Monday but declined to reveal the composition of its legal team.
He described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and lacking legal justification.
“There is no legal precedent that supports such a ruling. We are convinced that justice will prevail at the appellate court,” he said.
Enekweizu insisted that the judgment neither stopped the party nor its candidates from participating in the 2027 elections.
“Our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate and all our candidates up to the House of Assembly level will be on the ballot,” he stated.
Kwankwaso Backs Party
The National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and NDC vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also expressed confidence that the party would overcome its legal challenge.
Following a meeting with Seriake Dickson in Abuja on Sunday, Kwankwaso said the engagement was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The engagement forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s unity, resilience and strategic readiness as we prepare for the 2027 general elections,” he wrote on his verified Facebook page.
Kwankwaso urged party members and supporters to remain calm, insisting that the current setback would not derail the movement.
“No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He added: “Together, we will rise above every challenge. Nigeria will be okay.”
Dickson Reassures Candidates
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, dismissed reports that the court ruling had unsettled party candidates.
He assured members that the legal challenge would not affect the party’s participation in the elections.
“Our candidates are steadfast. They have already emerged as candidates of our party. They know the steps being taken, and in no distant time, their names will be uploaded to INEC’s portal.
“There is nothing to fear. This is merely an attempt to distract us and shake our resolve,” Dickson said.
He maintained that the NDC had not been deregistered and expressed confidence that the appellate courts would overturn the judgment.
On whether the party intended to petition the National Judicial Council against the trial judge, Dickson said the party would instead pursue constitutional legal remedies.
“We have confidence in the Nigerian judiciary. Where we disagree with a judgment, the proper remedy is to approach the appellate courts,” he said.
Public Support Campaign
Beyond the legal challenge, another senior party official disclosed that the NDC had activated a nationwide public engagement campaign involving civil society organisations, professional bodies and the media.
According to the source, the initiative is designed to mobilise public support for the party’s position ahead of the appeal.
“In the coming days, there will be a series of press conferences and engagements with civil society organisations and other stakeholders,” the official said.
Ondo Chapter Rejects Judgment
The Ondo State chapter of the NDC also rejected the Lokoja judgment, insisting that the party was lawfully registered and had complied with all requirements of the Electoral Act.
State Chairman Kennedy Peretei argued that the trial court had become functus officio after delivering its original judgment and questioned the legal basis for setting it aside.
He said the party had already conducted congresses, held its national convention, participated in INEC activities and nominated candidates for the 2027 elections.
Lawyers Differ on Legal Implications
Senior lawyers who spoke on the controversy agreed that the NDC has a constitutional right to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal but differed on its immediate implications.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adedayo Adedeji, said the judgment does not automatically bar the party or its candidates from contesting elections.
“The Federal High Court is not the final court, and every party adversely affected by its decision has an unquestionable constitutional right of appeal,” he said.
Another SAN, Itse Sagay, expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would give the matter accelerated hearing because of its national political importance.
“The important thing is for them to appeal speedily. The higher court will determine the validity of the judgment,” Sagay said.
He, however, warned that if the appellate court upholds the ruling, the party could be excluded from participating in the 2027 elections.
Offering another perspective, Senior Advocate Adelola Adedipe argued that the Lokoja court did not deregister the NDC but merely set aside the judicial order that led to its registration because an interested party had not been heard.
According to him, the ruling restored the parties to the position they occupied before the original judgment pending the determination of the substantive suit.
He noted that while the NDC could seek a stay of execution and pursue an appeal, the more prudent option might be to contest the substantive case on its merits.
Despite the legal uncertainty, NDC leaders remain confident that the Court of Appeal will overturn the Lokoja judgment and clear the way for the party and its candidates to participate fully in the 2027 general elections.
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2026-06-29