The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has secured a major legal victory after the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja which purported to order the deregistration of the party.
Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the party, Seriake Dickson, announced the development in a statement, saying the appellate court had upheld the party’s right to continue operating as a registered political party and participating in elections.
Dickson said the Court of Appeal, in a judgment delivered by the presiding Justice, Mohammed Danjuma, and read by Justice Hassan, allowed the NDC’s appeal challenging the Federal High Court decision delivered by Justice Isah Dashen.
According to him, the appellate court consequently set aside the Lokoja judgment.
Dickson hailed the ruling as a boost for multiparty democracy in Nigeria, commending Justices Danjuma and Hassan for what he described as upholding the integrity of the judiciary.
He said the NDC had consistently maintained that its establishment was aimed at expanding the frontiers of multiparty democracy in the country.
“Justice Dashen’s judgment a few months ago was an unexpected assault on our constitutional right to participate and an attempt to narrow the democratic space,” Dickson said.
‘NDC Continues To Exist’
Dickson said the Court of Appeal ruling had restored the party’s ability to participate fully in Nigeria’s political process, declaring that its registration remained valid.
> “The NDC continues to exist. Our registration remains valid and subsisting, and we and all our candidates will participate in all elections in 2027 and beyond, by the grace of God,” he said.
He congratulated members and candidates of the party, while thanking Nigerians for their prayers and support following the earlier Federal High Court judgment.
Dickson recalled that the Lokoja judgment had triggered widespread concern among party members and supporters, saying the party had received calls for sympathy, support and prayers.
According to him, the latest ruling had vindicated the party’s position.
“Today, our collective prayers have been answered,” he declared.
Dickson: ‘We Will Face APC At The Polls’
With the legal hurdle overturned, Dickson urged NDC members to shift their attention to the 2027 elections and the party’s campaign.
“Everyone should now focus on the campaigns, prepare for the elections, and focus on the task ahead to face the APC and defeat them at the polls,” he said.
Dickson also warned against any attempt to pressure or intimidate the judiciary, insisting that the NDC remained confident in its political message, candidates and membership.
“A resort to arm-twisting, inducing or intimidating the judiciary will not work,” he said.
He added that the party was confident in the support of Nigerians and looked forward to the forthcoming elections.
Dickson declared that the NDC’s struggle for multiparty democracy would continue.
