NDC Appeals Court Ruling, Files Stay of Execution as Dickson Insists Party Remains Legally Registered
By Passman Akpos
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has formally filed an appeal and an application for a stay of execution against the recent Federal High Court judgment that set aside the order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
The party disclosed that the appeal and accompanying applications had been served on INEC alongside a letter urging the electoral body to act in accordance with the law while the legal process continues.
According to the NDC, it remains a duly registered political party that has participated in all political processes to date, insisting that its primary elections have already been concluded nationwide under INEC’s supervision.
The party said candidates for elective offices have legally emerged through primaries monitored and recorded by the electoral commission, stressing that what remains is the administrative process of uploading candidates’ names to the INEC nomination portal.
It revealed that the names of its presidential candidate and national leader have already been uploaded, while that of the vice-presidential candidate would be submitted upon completion of the required documentation. The party added that the upload of National Assembly, governorship and State House of Assembly candidates is ongoing within INEC’s official timetable.
The NDC urged members and supporters not to panic, maintaining that there is sufficient time before the submission deadlines and that the legal challenge would not derail its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party also acknowledged disagreements arising from its primary elections but said reconciliation efforts have commenced nationwide to unite all aspirants and strengthen its campaign structure.
It pledged to involve unsuccessful aspirants in campaign activities, committees and party structures, describing them as the backbone of the movement.
Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria’s democratic system, the NDC declared that it would resist any attempt to undermine multi-party democracy.
The party also commended INEC for complying with earlier court directives that led to its registration and expressed confidence that the commission would continue to act professionally while awaiting the outcome of the appeal.
Meanwhile, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, strongly condemned the Federal High Court ruling, describing it as illegal, unconstitutional and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
Dickson argued that the judgment was designed to frustrate the rapid growth of the NDC, which he said has gained widespread acceptance across the country within a short period.
He announced that a legal team had already been mobilised to challenge the ruling and urged party supporters and candidates to remain calm and continue their political activities.
According to him, the association that instituted the suit lacked the legal standing to challenge the party’s registration because it was neither a registered political party nor one of the associations that applied for registration.
Dickson alleged that political opponents were behind the litigation in an attempt to weaken the NDC’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue,” he declared.
He further claimed that thousands of Nigerians registered as members of the NDC on the same day the judgment was delivered, describing it as a demonstration of public confidence in the party.
The controversy has also drawn a cautious response from INEC.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the commission said it had not yet received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
INEC explained that although it was aware of media reports concerning the judgment, it would not take any official action until its legal department receives and reviews the certified copy.
The commission assured Nigerians that any decision it takes would be guided strictly by the law.
The disputed judgment, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, vacated the court’s earlier December 2025 decision that compelled INEC to register the NDC.
The court held that the earlier judgment was defective because the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claims ownership of the “victory sign” logo allegedly used by the NDC, was not joined as a necessary party in the original suit.
Justice Dashen consequently ordered that the matter be heard afresh with all affected parties, including INEC, the NDC and the PMP, participating in the proceedings.
The ruling has generated widespread political debate, with the NDC, opposition parties and several political leaders rejecting the decision and vowing to pursue all available legal remedies.
With the appeal now before the Court of Appeal and INEC awaiting the certified judgment before taking further steps, the legal battle over the NDC’s status appears set to become one of the defining political contests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
