Obi, Kwankwaso rally NDC ahead of appeal over court ruling

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has concluded a series of strategy meetings in Abuja as it prepares to challenge a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the party’s registration. The meetings, held over the weekend, brought together the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee and other senior officials ahead of the appeal expected to be filed on Monday.

The legal move follows the decision of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. The ruling has sparked fresh political debate, with party leaders insisting it is an attempt to weaken the opposition before the 2027 general election.

A senior party official disclosed that the emergency meetings were organised to finalise the party’s legal strategy. According to the source, discussions focused on preparing the appeal and ensuring the party remained united despite the court decision. The official also revealed that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, would play a major role in the legal process, although the lead counsel had yet to be announced.

National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu confirmed that the appeal would be filed without delay. He expressed confidence that the party would succeed, maintaining that the judgment lacked a proper legal foundation. He also insisted that the NDC remained determined to participate fully in the coming elections and believed its candidates would eventually appear on the ballot.

Kwankwaso also met with Dickson in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen the party following the court ruling. After the meeting, he said the leadership remained focused on building unity and preparing for the 2027 elections. He urged party members and supporters not to lose confidence, adding that the movement remained committed to democratic principles and the rule of law despite the current legal challenge.

Dickson also appealed to party members, including Obi, Kwankwaso and other candidates, to remain committed to the NDC. He assured them that the party had not been deregistered permanently and expressed confidence that the legal process would produce a favourable outcome. He described the court ruling as a temporary obstacle and urged members not to allow it to distract them from the party’s objectives.

The National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, said the party had expected legal and political challenges because of its growing influence. He stated that the legal team was already working to overturn the judgment and insisted the party remained strong despite the development.

Another party official disclosed that beyond the legal battle, the NDC had begun engaging civil society groups, media organisations and other stakeholders to explain its position and gather wider public support. The official said the party would organise several public engagements and media briefings in the coming days.

The Ondo State chapter of the NDC also rejected the Lokoja ruling, arguing that the party had operated lawfully since its registration. The state leadership said the party had completed nationwide membership registration, conducted congresses, held a national convention, organised primary elections and nominated candidates for the 2027 elections. It added that its legal team had been directed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

Senior lawyers who reacted to the development said the party has the constitutional right to appeal the decision. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adedayo Adedeji explained that the Federal High Court is not the final authority on the matter and said the NDC could seek relief from the Court of Appeal.

Another Senior Advocate, Itse Sagay, said the appeal court was expected to hear the matter quickly because of its political importance, while Adelola Adedipe noted that the latest ruling only reversed the earlier order that led to the party’s registration and did not amount to a final decision on the party’s future.

The NDC leadership remains confident that the appeal process will restore its legal status and allow all its candidates to participate in the 2027 general election.