Nigeria Democratic Congress Rejects Court Order, Vows Appeal for 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared its rejection of a recent Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, which overturned a previous order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. The NDC announced its intention to appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal, expressing confidence in its eventual participation in the 2027 presidential and general elections.

Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, the NDC National Chairman, criticized the court's decision, asserting that the party remains legally recognized. He emphasized that the latest ruling did not mandate the party's deregistration, thus preserving its status as a registered political entity. The party is preparing to challenge the verdict vigorously.

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The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined.

The Federal High Court's decision, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, vacated its earlier judgment from December 10, 2025. The court found that the initial order to register the NDC had adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not included as a party in the original suit. The PMP had claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC for its registration.

According to Mr. C. S. Ekeocha, counsel for the PMP, the court agreed that the applicant's rights were impacted. Consequently, the court ordered all parties to revert to their positions before the December 10, 2025 judgment. The claimants were also directed to include all necessary parties to ensure a complete and effectual determination of the dispute. This implies that any actions taken by INEC based on the vacated judgment, including the NDC's recognition and registration certificate, are reversed pending the final resolution of the substantive case.

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The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit.