National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has urged the party’s candidates, including presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, to remain with the party despite the recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja.
Speaking during Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Dickson dismissed reports that some candidates were considering leaving the NDC following the court judgment, insisting the party remains legally recognised and fully prepared for the 2027 general elections.
The controversy followed Friday’s ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Reacting to concerns over the development, Dickson said the legal challenge was intended to distract the party and create uncertainty among its members.
“Our candidates remain steadfast. They have already emerged as candidates of our party and understand the legal steps we are taking. They will be uploaded to the INEC portal, participate in the elections and appear on the ballot,” he said.
He reassured party members that the NDC had not been deregistered and expressed confidence that the courts would eventually overturn the Lokoja ruling.
Dickson also said the party would not petition the judge who delivered the judgment but would instead challenge the decision through the appellate courts.
According to him, the NDC remains committed to the rule of law and has confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system to resolve the matter.
The party is expected to file its appeal against the Lokoja judgment, maintaining that the ruling neither deregistered the NDC nor prevented it from participating in the 2027 general elections.
