Nigerian lawmakers decry court ruling voiding party registration, allege plot against opposition

Nigerian lawmakers from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in the House of Representatives have vehemently condemned a Federal High Court ruling that nullified their party's registration. They labeled the judgment a "judicial coup" and an attempt to undermine Nigeria's democratic system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by caucus leader Afam Ogene, the lawmakers accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a deliberate effort to weaken opposition parties through judicial means rather than electoral competition. This reaction follows a judgment by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.

The caucus described the ruling as more than a legal error, calling it an "assault on democracy" and a "calculated pattern of judicial harassment." They believe the judgment is part of a broader strategy to use the judiciary to suppress political opposition and limit electoral choices for Nigerians. This echoes a recent Federal High Court decision to deregister five other political parties, though the Court of Appeal stayed that execution pending appeals.

The legal dispute began earlier this year when the NDC secured a court order for its registration. However, challengers, including the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), questioned the process, alleging the NDC failed to meet statutory requirements and submit necessary documents through INEC's designated portal. The Lokoja court's latest ruling vacated its previous order, effectively withdrawing the NDC's registration.

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For us and many Nigerians, this is not an error of law. It is an assault on democracy. This is a calculated pattern of judicial harassment.