NDC derecognition: It’s not too late – Atiku’s aide to Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, others
Opposition Leaders Urged to Unite Ahead of 2027 Elections
Paul Ibe, an aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called for unity among opposition leaders in light of a recent Federal High Court ruling. The court, located in Lokoja, overturned its earlier decision that mandated the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, Ibe described the ruling as a “wake-up call” for the opposition, alleging that President Bola Tinubu is working towards establishing a de facto one-party state. He argued that the decision signifies a lack of safe harbor for opposition forces and accused Tinubu of attempting to undermine their strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ibe further asserted that unless stopped, Tinubu intends to “obliterate the opposition,” warning that Nigeria’s democracy is currently at risk. He emphasized that it remains feasible for opposition parties to consolidate their efforts in preparation for the upcoming elections, urging figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to collaborate in an attempt to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ibe stated, “The decision of the Federal High Court Lokoja in setting aside its earlier judgment on the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) should be a wake-up call that there is no hiding place for the opposition.”
The Federal High Court’s ruling on Friday, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, determined that the previous judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC. The PMP was not included as a party in the original suit.
C.S. Ekeocha, counsel for the PMP, noted that the ruling restored all parties to their positions before the December 10, 2025 decision. The court also directed that all relevant parties be included before the core issue is reconsidered.
Ekeocha added that all actions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) based on the earlier judgment, including the recognition and registration of the NDC, have been reversed pending the outcome of the case.
