NDC in dilemma: Federal High Court sets aside earlier judgment; party vows appeal; presidential ambitions of Obi and Kwankwaso thrown into jeopardy

A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress, dealing a significant blow to the party and its 2027 presidential ambitions just months before the general election.

Justice Isah Dashen delivered the ruling on Friday, holding that the December 10 2025, judgment was constitutionally defective because it was delivered without hearing all necessary parties, specifically the Peace Movement Party, which claimed an interest in the matter.

“The earlier judgment was constitutionally defective as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties. Such an omission rendered the entire process null and void,” the court stated.

The judge ruled that the Peace Movement Party, which claims ownership of the logo used by the NDC to secure registration, was a necessary party to the suit and should have been joined before the earlier judgment was delivered. The court ordered that the status quo be restored to what existed before the December 2025 judgment, pending determination of a substantive suit.

NDC rejects ruling, heads to appellate court

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has categorically rejected the court’s decision, insisting it remains a legally recognised political party. Moses Cleopas, the party’s national chairman, stated: “There was no order directing our deregistration. We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party is on course.”

Cleopas said the NDC has instructed its lawyers to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal at the earliest opportunity. “The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible. We have no doubt that justice will be done,” he said.

The party argued that the court lacked authority to set aside the judgment through a motion application, describing the process as “illegal and an outright abuse of court process.”

Party insists candidates will participate in 2027 election

Ikenna Enekweizu, the NDC national secretary, appeared defiant during an interview on Channels Television. “We will upload the names of our candidates, and we will participate in the elections. I can assure you that our supporters, members, and candidates have nothing to fear. All our candidates will be on the ballot in 2027,” Enekweizu said.

He stated that the party had been scheduled to pick up its candidate codes to begin uploading nominees to the INEC portal on the day the ruling was delivered.

“I think it was designed and timed to stop us from picking up those codes. But I can assure you that we will pick them up,” he said.

Enekweizu added:

“Nigerians are fed up with what is going on in this country today. We are fed up with the hunger, insecurity, failure and heartlessness of the government that is ruining this country today.”

Dickson alleges political attack

Seriake Dickson, the NDC national leader, accused external forces of attempting to undermine the party’s progress.

“All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand,” Dickson said.

“We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win,” he added.

Dickson alleged that the party was under attack because of the “tremendous progress” it has achieved in five months. “We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack. We know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made,” he stated.

He further alleged that “thousands of Nigerians” registered as NDC members in solidarity following the court decision, claiming increased support for the party.

Impact on 2027 presidential race

The ruling represents a significant setback for Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who are the NDC’s presidential and vice presidential candidates for the 2027 election. The NDC had secured registration following the December 2025 judgment and has since conducted primaries, participated in bye-elections, and nominated candidates for all elective offices.

The court’s decision throws the party’s electoral participation into uncertainty and opens the door for further legal challenges ahead of the 2027 general election.