2027 Polls: Appeal Court validates registration of NDC as political party
Court of Appeal Reinstates Nigeria Democratic Congress as Political Party
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Abuja
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, that had ordered the deregistration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
In a split decision of 2-1, a three-member panel from the appellate court upheld the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of the NDC, deeming the high court’s verdict, delivered on July 26, as erroneous.
The appellate court found that the lower court had overstepped its authority by revisiting its own previous judgment, issued on December 10, 2025, which had permitted INEC to register the NDC. Justices Mohammed Danjuma and Muslim Sule Hassan, who formed the majority, ruled in favor of the NDC’s appeal and rejected claims regarding the party’s logo raised by an associated group, the Peace Movement Party (PMP).
In dissent, Justice Okon Abang supported the high court’s decision to deregister the NDC, stating that he saw no flaws in the earlier ruling, which he argued aligned with principles of justice and fair hearing.
The controversy began when the Lokoja court, led by Justice Isah Dashen, had invalidated its prior approval for the NDC’s registration following an application by the PMP. The PMP contended that it had not been included in the earlier proceedings, despite having a legitimate interest in the outcome. The high court agreed, asserting that all parties with stakes should have been allowed to participate before the deregistration order was issued.
Following the appellate court’s recent judgment, the NDC, which has already nominated candidates for the 2027 general elections, expressed satisfaction with the ruling.
Senator Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State and NDC leader, characterized the decision as a success for democracy. He praised the judiciary for upholding the integrity of the legal system and allowing for greater multiparty participation in Nigeria.
The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to competing in the upcoming elections, urging members to focus on their campaigns and prepare to contest against the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The NDC continues to exist. Our registration remains valid, and we will participate in all elections in 2027 and beyond,” Dickson stated. He also emphasized a commitment to defending Nigeria’s multiparty democracy as the party looks ahead to the electoral contest.
