The Court of Appeal in Abuja has issued a split decision reversing a prior ruling that led to the deregistration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The decision was reached with a vote of 2-to-1, allowing the NDC to continue its political activities as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The appellate court’s decision nullifies a previous judgment by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which initially directed the INEC to register the NDC. The ruling had been challenged following a dispute over the party’s logo, raised by the Peace Movement Party (PMP). The majority opinion concluded that the PMP, not being a registered political entity, could not legally intervene in the NDC’s case.
Senator Seriake Dickson, the national leader of the NDC, welcomed the appellate court’s ruling, emphasizing that the decision restores the party’s constitutional rights to engage in the democratic process. He noted that the earlier ruling had threatened to limit political participation in Nigeria, but the recent decision has reaffirmed the NDC’s valid registration.
Justice Abang, who dissented in the appeal, argued that the case was invalid due to a delay in filing and raised questions about the jurisdiction of the original court. He criticized the NDC’s approach, suggesting it amounted to forum shopping, and maintained that the trial court lacked the authority to recognize the NDC’s registration.
Following the ruling, Dickson called on party members to refocus their efforts on campaigning for the upcoming elections, asserting the NDC’s commitment to competing against the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). He expressed confidence in the party’s message and urged members to rally together for success in the elections.
