The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports suggesting it has been deregistered, insisting that a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja did not order its removal from the register of political parties.
The party, in a statement issued on Friday, said it has already instructed its legal team to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal, maintaining that it remains a legally recognised political party.
The clarification followed a ruling by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, on an application filed by an association identified as the Peace Movement Party (PMP).
According to the NDC, it was initially denied registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2025 before approaching the Federal High Court, which ruled in its favour and directed the electoral body to register the party.
The party said since its registration, it has carried out political activities nationwide, including membership registration, ward, local government, state and national congresses, conventions and primary elections in line with INEC’s timetable.
It also stated that it participated in the recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and has nominated candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, presidential and vice-presidential elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NDC argued that the Peace Movement Party, which filed the application leading to the latest ruling, is not a registered political party and is unknown to it.
According to the statement, the group claimed that it had applied for registration in 2015 using the “victory” sign as its symbol and asked the court to set aside its earlier judgment in favour of the NDC.
The party maintained that the matter had already been determined by the court, arguing that the judge had become functus officio after delivering the final judgment that compelled INEC to register it.
“There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision that has been made, and we have instructed our team of lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of His Lordship’s order,” the statement said.
The party reassured its members and candidates that its legal status remained unchanged.
“We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party is on course. 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.”
The NDC also criticised what it described as attempts to weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We condemn efforts by those who seek to shrink the democratic space and stifle opposition voices and alternatives. Nigerians have a right to a full range of opinions, ideas, and alternatives, and political platforms and candidates should be allowed to participate in the 2027 general election process, which has already gone midway.”
The party expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling and reaffirm its legal status.
