By Davidson Ogbebor

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected a ruling delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which reportedly set aside an earlier judgment that led to the party’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, the party described the ruling by Justice Isah Dashen as legally flawed and announced plans to immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

According to the NDC, it had approached the Federal High Court in December 2025 after INEC allegedly refused to register it as a political party. The court subsequently upheld the association’s constitutional right to freedom of association and directed the electoral commission to register it.

The party stated that since its registration, it has carried out extensive political activities across the country, including membership registration, ward, local government, state and national congresses, conventions and party primaries conducted in line with INEC’s timetable.

The NDC further noted that it participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and has already nominated candidates for various elective positions, including governorship, National Assembly, presidential and vice-presidential offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the latest court ruling, the party said the application that resulted in the decision was filed by an association known as the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which it described as neither a registered political party nor a participant in the current electoral process.

The NDC argued that the court had already delivered a final judgment on the matter and had become functus officio, meaning it no longer had the jurisdiction to revisit issues already decided.

The party also contended that the concerns raised by groups claiming rights to its symbol and colours had been addressed in the earlier judgment, adding that no appeal was filed against that decision.

“We are dissatisfied with the decision and have instructed our legal team to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of the order,” the statement said.

The NDC clarified that while the court reportedly set aside its earlier judgment, there was no order directing the deregistration of the party.

It therefore assured its candidates, members and supporters that it remains a legally recognized political party and that all nominations already made remain valid pending the outcome of the appeal.

The party accused unnamed interests of attempting to narrow Nigeria’s democratic space and suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, Nigerians deserve a broad range of political choices and alternatives, adding that efforts to exclude political platforms from the electoral process through litigation should be resisted.

The NDC maintained that if the Peace Movement Party was dissatisfied with the original judgment, its proper remedy was to file an appeal within the legally prescribed period rather than seek to overturn the judgment through a motion.

The party expressed confidence that the appellate court would overturn the ruling and reaffirm its legal status.

“We thank Nigerians for their support and assure our members and candidates that our platform remains strong, legal and committed to participating fully in the 2027 electoral process,” the statement concluded.