The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected a Federal High Court ruling that set aside an earlier judgment ordering the registration of the party, insisting that it remains a valid political platform and will challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, the party said it was surprised by Friday’s ruling delivered by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja on an application filed by the unregistered Peace Movement Party (PMP).
NDC insists it remains a legal party
According to the statement, the NDC had approached the court in December 2025 after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allegedly refused to register it as a political party.
The party said the court upheld its constitutional right to freedom of association and subsequently directed INEC to register it.
Since then, the NDC said it has carried out political activities, including membership registration, ward, state and national congresses, conventions and party primaries.
It also noted that it participated in the recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and has already nominated candidates for various elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party questions court’s jurisdiction
The NDC argued that the Peace Movement Party is neither a registered political party nor an association currently seeking registration under the ongoing political process.
The party further maintained that the Federal High Court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment in the matter and therefore lacked the jurisdiction to revisit the case.
According to the statement, there was no order directing the deregistration of the NDC. However, the party said it had instructed its legal team to immediately appeal the ruling.
“We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party is on course. The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible,” the statement read.
NDC condemns attempt to narrow democratic space
The party also accused unnamed actors of attempting to use the judiciary to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections.
It argued that if the Peace Movement Party was dissatisfied with the original judgment, its proper legal option was to file an appeal within the stipulated period rather than seek to overturn the verdict through a motion.
The NDC expressed confidence that justice would prevail and reassured its members and candidates that all nominations made by the party remain valid.
