The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the Federal High Court ruling that set aside the judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, insisting it remains a legally recognised political platform.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, the NDC announced that it has directed its legal team to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
Cleopas argued that the ruling stemmed from an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which he described as an unregistered association that is unknown to the NDC.
According to him, the Federal High Court had earlier ruled in December 2025 that INEC should register the NDC, affirming the party’s constitutional right to freedom of association.
The party said it has since conducted ward, local government, state and national congresses, held its national convention, completed its primaries and nominated candidates for the 2027 general elections.
“There was no order directing our deregistration. The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s ruling at the Court of Appeal,” the party stated.
The NDC also maintained that all candidates nominated under its platform remain valid pending the outcome of the appeal.
The party further argued that the Federal High Court had already delivered its final judgment in the matter and that issues surrounding its logo and symbol had previously been resolved.
Describing the latest application as an abuse of court process, the NDC accused unnamed individuals of attempting to undermine opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite the legal setback, the party expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling.
Source: Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
