Remain in NDC, Dickson urges Obi, Kwankwaso, others

Senator Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has appealed to the party's candidates, including presidential hopeful Peter Obi and running mate Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, urging them not to abandon the party following a recent Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja.

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That is what this kind of kangaroo situation is intended to achieve. But I’m here to assure all members. That’s not the report we have. Our candidates are steadfast and they have already emerged as candidates of our party.

Dickson addressed concerns that some candidates might consider leaving the party in response to the ruling. The controversy stems from a judgment delivered by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which nullified a December 10, 2025, court order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC. The judge stated that the earlier ruling impacted the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used to secure the registration order but was not included as a party in the lawsuit.

Dismissing speculation that candidates were unsettled by the judgment, Dickson assured party members that the NDC remains on track. "That is what this kind of kangaroo situation is intended to achieve. But I’m here to assure all members. That’s not the report we have. Our candidates are steadfast and they have already emerged as candidates of our party," he stated. He added that the candidates would soon be uploaded to the INEC portal and would participate in the polls.

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They know the steps that the party is taking. And in no distant time, they will be uploaded (on INEC portal). They will go into the polls and be on the ballot. So, there is nothing to fear. There’s no fear.

"Let me say, this kind of move is intended to be a distraction. It’s intended to shake our faith. But for some of us who are used to this kind of thing, in fact, we even expect more," Dickson remarked, emphasizing his resolve in navigating such challenges. He reiterated his assurance that "the NDC is on the ballot. All our candidates will be on the ballot. The NDC has not been deregistered and won’t be deregistered."

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Let me say, this kind of move is intended to be a distraction. It’s intended to shake our faith. But for some of us who are used to this kind of thing, in fact, we even expect more.

Regarding the party's next steps, Dickson indicated that the NDC would pursue legal remedies through the appellate courts rather than reporting Justice Dashen to the National Judicial Council. "No, that’s not our focus. The judge has erred. We are not happy about it. But we have confidence in the Nigerian judicial system," he said, clarifying that he was not casting personal aspersions on the judge but believed the court had made an error. He expressed confidence that "the laws of this country will speak and justice will run its course."

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So, I assure all our candidates and our members that the NDC is on the ballot. All our candidates will be on the ballot. The NDC has not been deregistered and won’t be deregistered. The laws of this country will speak and justice will run its course. So, I have nothing to worry about.