NDC appeals court ruling nullifying its registration, uploads Peter Obi’s name on INEC’s portal

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is challenging a recent court decision that reversed an earlier order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, had initially directed INEC to register the NDC, but this judgment was subsequently set aside.

The reversal came after the Peace Movement Party (PMP) applied to have the original judgment nullified, arguing it was not included in the initial lawsuit. The presiding judge, Isah Dashen, agreed, stating that all relevant parties must be heard before a substantive decision can be made. The court declared the previous process void due to this omission and ordered the status quo restored pending the determination of the main suit.

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Having filed and served our appeal and the accompanying applications, the ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law.

In response, the NDC has filed an appeal and is also seeking a stay of execution for the ruling. Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the NDC and its candidate for Bayelsa West District, confirmed that the court processes have been served on the INEC chairman. He expressed confidence in the judiciary to act lawfully and sensibly.

Crucially, following the appeal, INEC has granted the NDC access to its portal for uploading candidates. Dickson confirmed that his name and that of the presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have been uploaded, with the vice presidential candidate's details to follow. The process is also underway for other party candidates.

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We have been granted access to the (INEC) portal to upload our qualified candidates.