Appeal Court Overturns Lokoja Ruling, Upholds NDC Registration

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, allowing the party to retain its registration and participate in the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by the NDC National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, in a statement reacting to the appellate court’s decision.

Dickson said the Court of Appeal set aside the earlier judgment delivered by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which had directed that the party be deregistered.

According to him, the appeal filed by the NDC against the Lokoja court decision was upheld by the appellate court.

The judgment was delivered by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, with the presiding Justice, Mohammed Danjuma, leading the panel. Justice Hassan read the decision of the court.

Dickson said the ruling had cleared the way for the NDC to continue operating as a registered political party and take part in political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the party viewed the earlier Federal High Court decision as a threat to its constitutional right to participate in Nigeria’s democratic process. He added that the Court of Appeal judgment had now restored the party’s ability to operate and contest elections.

The NDC leader also commended the judiciary over the appellate court’s decision, particularly the judges involved in delivering the judgment.

Dickson congratulated members and candidates of the party and thanked Nigerians who had supported the NDC during the legal battle.

He said the party’s registration remains in force and that its candidates would take part in the 2027 elections and subsequent elections.

With the legal setback at the Federal High Court overturned, Dickson urged NDC members and candidates to turn their attention to their campaign activities and preparations for the forthcoming elections.

He also warned against any attempt to pressure or intimidate the judiciary, saying the party would continue to rely on its political message, members and candidates as it prepares for the polls.

The NDC leader further said the party would continue its campaign for a multiparty political system and work towards strengthening its presence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The Court of Appeal’s decision therefore allows the NDC to continue functioning as a registered political party, while its candidates can proceed with preparations for the 2027 general elections.