NDC still validly registered, we’ll challenge court ruling — Dickson

Senator Seriake Dickson, the national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insists the party is still legally recognized. He stated this on Sunday during an interview on Channels Television, asserting that the NDC disagrees with the legal foundation of a recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, Kogi State. Dickson announced that the party is taking appropriate legal steps to challenge the judgment in the appellate court, arguing that the ruling came from a court that lacked the authority to reconsider its prior decision. He emphasized that the NDC has not been deregistered and remains eligible for electoral participation. Dickson highlighted that the party conducted primaries for all elective offices, with these exercises being monitored nationwide by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within its timetable. He confirmed that the NDC held primaries for state assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, and presidential elections. As a senatorial candidate himself, Dickson affirmed that all nominations were validly conducted and monitored by INEC. He clarified that submitting candidates' names to INEC is an administrative step that does not invalidate nominations. Dickson assured all NDC candidates and members that their nominations are valid, noting that the court did not deregister the party, nor has any such action been taken. The NDC plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, proceed to the Supreme Court to overturn what they consider an irregular judgment. Dickson also noted that the controversy has sparked increased public interest in the NDC, with thousands of Nigerians visiting their website to register since Friday.

“

We disagree as a party with the legal basis and propriety of the ruling. The party is taking the appropriate legal steps to ensure that the right thing is done.