NDC Support Groups Reject Court Ruling, Threaten Nationwide Protest

Two prominent support groups for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have strongly condemned a recent court judgment impacting the party. They labeled the ruling a significant threat to Nigeria's democracy and have issued a one-week ultimatum demanding its reversal. Failure to comply, they warn, could lead to nationwide protests.

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We jointly condemn the recent court judgement concerning the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Party, which we believe raises serious concerns about the protection of democratic values, political participation, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The NDC Concern Youth and the NDC Coalition Alliance Network issued a joint press statement expressing deep concern that the judgment could undermine political participation and weaken democratic institutions if left unchallenged. "We jointly condemn the recent court judgement concerning the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Party, which we believe raises serious concerns about the protection of democratic values, political participation, and the rule of law in Nigeria," the statement read.

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The Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly and association under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), including the freedom to form and belong to political associations and parties.

These groups asserted that democracy fundamentally belongs to the people. They stressed that all political activities must uphold constitutional rights and freedoms, specifically citing Section 40 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association, including forming political parties. Actions that weaken political participation or destabilize democratic institutions, they argued, directly threaten the nation's democratic foundation.

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The recent development concerning the NDC party has generated serious concerns among Nigerians and democratic stakeholders. We call on the present administration to understand that any action perceived as undermining democratic institutions and political participation risks tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community.

Furthermore, the organizations reminded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its constitutional duty to regulate political parties and oversee electoral processes. They cautioned that the current development could negatively affect Nigeria's international image. "The recent development concerning the NDC party has generated serious concerns among Nigerians and democratic stakeholders. We call on the present administration to understand that any action perceived as undermining democratic institutions and political participation risks tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community," the groups stated. They vowed that Nigerian youths remain committed to defending democracy through lawful and peaceful means.

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The Nigerian youth represent the largest and most active segment of our population. The youth of this country will never allow democracy to vanish or be weakened. We remain committed to defending democratic values through lawful and peaceful means.