Politics

The development comes barely 48 hours after the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC.

The ruling has intensified political tensions and drawn condemnation from opposition leaders who insist the decision is aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election.

A senior party official, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, disclosed that the party leadership had been holding back-to-back emergency meetings to finalise its legal strategy before approaching the Court of Appeal on Monday.

According to him, Obi, Dickson, the party’s national chairman, national secretary and other members of the party’s leadership attended Saturday’s closed-door meeting, while another emergency session was held on Sunday to fine-tune preparations for the appeal.

“Yes, a number of closed-door meetings have taken place since the Kogi High Court judgment went viral. For instance, Obi, Senator Dickson, the party chairman, the secretary and other executives were in yesterday’s meeting.

“Even as we speak, there is another emergency meeting ongoing ahead of tomorrow’s appeal.

“However, we are not privy yet to who will lead the legal team. What I only know is that the NDC National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, will play a key role in it,” the source said.

The National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Enekweizu, who spoke to our correspondent on the sidelines of a recent press briefing, confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday.

Enekweizu, however, declined to disclose the identity of the counsel that would lead the legal battle.

He said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate at this time for us to announce who our legal team leader will be. By the time we file our processes on Monday, you will know those who are in the team and who the leader is. I don’t know if that answers your question.”

The lawyer described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and lacking any legal foundation, insisting that the party remained convinced it would secure victory on appeal.

“This is the worst thing that can happen in judiciary. That ruling has no legal basis. There is no precedent in law that can justify it.

“So, obviously, we see it as part of the attempts by the powers that be to further shrink the democratic process in Nigeria.

“I’m sure we are aware that recently, some parties, by virtue of a judicial ruling, were ordered to be deregistered.

“What they were attempting to do was to ensure that we do not take part in the democratic process that is still ongoing. But I can assure you that it will not happen. Our candidates will definitely participate in the forthcoming elections.

“Of course, we have a strong conviction that the judiciary is still the last hope of the common man in Nigeria. The court that delivered the ruling is not the highest court and it’s not the last court in the land. We’ll see our appeal process through to its ultimate end.

“I can assure you that all our candidates, from presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, his running mate and all our candidates up to the House of Assembly level, will all be on the ballot,” he stated.

Kwankwaso meets Dickson

The National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has declared that no temporary setback would weaken the Nigeria Democratic Congress as the party grapples with the recent court ruling setting aside its recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Kwankwaso stated this after paying a courtesy visit to the National Leader of the NDC, former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, in Abuja on Sunday.

The former Kano State governor disclosed the visit in a post on his verified Facebook page, saying the meeting formed part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of our party, the NDC, His Excellency Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja,” Kwankwaso wrote.

“The engagement forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s unity, resilience and strategic readiness as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.”

He expressed confidence that the party would overcome its current legal challenges, insisting that its members remained committed to democratic principles and the rule of law.

“As true democrats, we remain committed to the rule of law and have absolute confidence in the judicial process,” he said.

“No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.”

Kwankwaso also appealed to members and supporters of the party not to be discouraged by the recent developments.

“Nigeria will be OK.”

The meeting came barely two days after the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party and ordered a fresh hearing of the substantive suit.

The court held that the earlier judgment was delivered without hearing all the parties whose interests were affected, particularly the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the disputed party logo.

The ruling effectively restored all the parties to the positions they occupied before the December 10, 2025 judgment that recognised the NDC, although INEC has said it is awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before taking any further action.

The NDC has recently emerged as a major opposition platform following the defection of several prominent politicians, including Kwankwaso and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking, National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, said the party had anticipated legal and political challenges and insisted it remained confident that the appellate court would overturn the ruling.

He said, “As the main opposition party today, we have always anticipated what they could throw at us. We are not fools not to have been thinking in that direction.

“But obviously, as it has been exposed, within the ambit of the law, because I am not a lawyer, apparently, by what they have done, they could barely find anything legitimate to throw at us.

“And just because some people just have to get paid and show that they are working, that is why they did what they have done.

“From the time that breaking news came, our legal team is working with an assurance that this is an abuse to the judicial system of this country.

“We are pleading that the judicial players should not drive this country into the mud. We still believe that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

“This is just an attempt to see whether we will shake. There is no shaking because we are stronger.”

Another senior party official, who preferred not to be mentioned, disclosed that beyond the legal challenge, the NDC had activated an extensive public engagement strategy involving civil society organisations, professional bodies and media organisations to rally support for its position.

“Presently, the party has activated and structured a move to start engaging civil societies and media engagements as part of its defence and future campaigns.

“In the days to come, there will be series of press conferences and parley with CSOs and pressure groups,” the source said.

Dickson rallies members

Meanwhile, Dickson  appealed to the party’s candidates, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other aspirants, not to abandon the party following the recent Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja.

Dickson made the appeal on Sunday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to reports that some candidates were considering leaving the party over the ruling.

Reacting to concerns that some candidates had become unsettled by the judgment, Dickson dismissed the speculation and assured members that the party was on course.

He said, “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.

“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 because if you have to be in this kitchen for some time, you must have a way to manage the heat.

“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.”

On whether the party planned to report Justice Dashen to the National Judicial Council, Dickson said the NDC would instead pursue legal remedies through the appellate courts.

He said, “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. As a person, I’ve always been a promoter and supporter of the judiciary, individual justices and judges.

“So, I’m not casting any personal aspersions on the judge. But I believe that they are doing a very critical job. And it’s our duty, all of us as leaders, to encourage and support them.

“Even when they err and make decisions that we disagree with, we have an opportunity to vent around and get other appellate courts to do what should be done. That’s what hierarchy of courts is all about. But this is a terrible hangman job.”

The NDC, which is due to file an appeal against the Lokoja judgment on Monday, insists the ruling neither deregistered the party nor stopped it from participating in the 2027 general election.

Obi-Kwankwaso Movement

The appeal move also received backing from the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, whose National Coordinator, John Ughulu, said the group had anticipated the judgment and remained confident it would be overturned.

He said, “We saw it coming. We know where they are going, and I believe the legal team is ready to respond to whatever measures the government is planning.

“We understood what was happening and truly saw it coming. When they tried to derail the ADC and all those things, we condemned it then. We knew it was a test of the waters, and now we have seen it happen.

“Our prediction was correct. We will engage with the leaders of the party and respond accordingly. We are not frightened.

“I strongly believe that this decision will be reversed because Nigerians will not support it.”

Similarly, the Obidient Movement threw its weight behind the appeal, insisting the ruling would not prevent the opposition from participating in the 2027 elections.

“We don’t have any doubts that Obi and Kwankwaso will be on the ballot. We are already on the ballot. So, we will continue to pursue everything.

“The NDC will appeal it. The court cannot nullify its own judgment. It is nothing for Nigerians to get worried about.

“Unless they don’t want the election to hold, we will be ready for them,” the movement said.

The Ondo State chapter of the NDC also rejected the court judgment which ordered the deregistration of the party.

In a statement by its chairman, Mr Kennedy Peretei, on Sunday, the party expressed dissatisfaction with the court ruling delivered by Justice Isah Dashen.

He said, “We recall that in December 2025, following the refusal of the INEC to register NDC as a political party, it approached the Federal High Court, which upheld its constitutional right to freedom of association and ordered INEC to register the party.

“INEC complied fully with that judgment. Since its registration, the NDC has operated lawfully within the framework of the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines.

“The party has registered members nationwide, conducted ward, local government, state congresses and held its national convention, successfully.

“We conducted primary elections, and participated in all INEC activities, including the recent by-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states.

“We have also nominated candidates for all elective offices in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

“Our party maintains that the Peace Movement Party is neither a registered political party nor an association currently seeking registration under the ongoing exercise.

“We, therefore, question the legal basis upon which the court entertained its application to set aside a final judgment already delivered in favour of the NDC.”

Peretei noted that trial court had become functus officio after delivering its judgment and had already determined issues relating to the party’s name, symbol and colours.

“No appeal was filed against that judgment within the statutory period,” the party noted.

It instructed its legal team to immediately approach the Court of Appeal to challenge both the jurisdiction of the trial court and the propriety of the ruling.

Peretei said the NDC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the advancement of credible political alternatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

Senior lawyers react

Meanwhile, senior lawyers have weighed in on the Kogi High Court ruling.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, Senior Advocates of Nigeria noted that the pronouncement of the High Court can be challenged, as it is a court of first instance, stressing that the party has the constitutional right to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

Legal practitioner Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) noted that the judgment does not automatically prevent the party or its candidates from participating in future elections, adding that the appellate process remains open.

He explained that the Constitution guarantees parties affected by decisions of the Federal High Court the right to seek redress at the Court of Appeal.

“The setting aside of the ruling on NDC does not, in and of itself, disenfranchise any party or candidate. The Federal High Court is not the final court in this jurisdiction, and I do not read the judgment as containing any order that disenfranchises any candidate. The legal process is still very much alive.

“This is squarely a matter of constitutional right. Section 243 of the Constitution provides that every party adversely affected by a decision of the Federal High Court has an unqualified constitutional right to appeal that decision to the Court of Appeal within the time stipulated by the relevant rules of court. Time, as we say in this profession, is always of the essence. The ball, in every sense, is entirely in their court,” Adedeji said.

Also commenting on the development, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Itse Sagay, expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would expedite the matter because of its political significance.

“The Court of Appeal will certainly arrange for the appeal to be heard speedily so that, if they succeed, their efforts will not be derailed,” Sagay said.

According to him, the nationwide implications of the party’s deregistration make it imperative for the appeal to be filed without delay.

“The impact of the deregistration of the party is nationwide. The important thing is for them to appeal speedily. The higher court will consider the validity of that judgment,” he stated.

Sagay warned that if the appellate court upholds the Federal High Court’s decision, the consequences could be significant for the party’s political future.

“However, if, for example, the Court of Appeal affirms the ruling of the High Court, that would mean they will not be able to contest in 2027,” he said.

He further cautioned judges against issuing decisions that could determine political participation, arguing that such matters should ultimately be left to voters.

“This is why courts should be very careful about giving judgments of that sort. Ultimately, it should be left to the electorate to decide, not for one judge to determine who participates in the political system, which affects everybody.

“Some judges are reckless. Judges should be very careful. It’s not the sort of judgment the court should give. But obviously, they are going to appeal, so we’ll see how it goes,” Sagay said.

Adding another legal perspective, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adelola Adedipe, said the court’s latest ruling merely reversed the earlier judicial order that enabled the registration of the NDC and should not be interpreted as a final deregistration of the party.

“The judgment of October 10, 2025 enabled the registration of NDC through judicial intervention. The ruling of June 26, 2026 set aside the order of registration because a necessary party was not heard in the course of the proceedings. However, the suit remains extant, as the necessary parties are now required to ventilate their positions for an effectual determination of the case,” Adedipe said.

According to him, the latest decision only restored the parties to their previous positions pending the determination of the substantive suit.

“It cannot be said that the court deregistered NDC. The status quo ante bellum was only restored to ensure a level playing field.

“Since proceedings are ongoing, the ballot status of NDC has not been effectually determined. The overriding consideration is that the political party remains unregistered,” he stated.

On the options available to the party, Adedipe said an appeal and an application for a stay of execution could provide temporary relief, although such an outcome may be difficult to secure.

“If an appeal is lodged and a stay of execution is obtained, then NDC may enjoy interim relief. The chances of obtaining such an order may, however, be remote, being an election-related matter.

“It may be safer for NDC to contest the matter on its merits. When the substantive suit is determined, an appeal on the interlocutory decision can be included by any aggrieved party, depending on how the pendulum swings,” he said.

He also warned that pursuing a stay of execution and proceedings could carry significant legal risks depending on the outcome at the appellate court.

“On the flip side, if an order staying execution and proceedings is obtained, the narrow issue to be determined on appeal will be whether the necessary parties were before the court at the time judgment was delivered. The consequences may be dire if the appellate court eventually finds that the necessary parties were not before the court. This may lead to the setting aside of the trial court’s judgment, by which time there may be no more time,” Adedipe added.