Nigeria Democratic Congress legal team reviews court ruling voiding party registration
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Idris Zekeri Jnr, media aide to Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, announced on Friday that the party's legal team is examining a Federal High Court ruling. The ruling set aside a previous judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to register the NDC as a political party. Zekeri appealed to supporters to remain calm, stating the party is reviewing the judgment and will pursue legal remedies. He described the ruling from the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, as "bizarre" and a temporary setback, not an end to their political ambition. Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, ruled that the earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used for the registration order but was not included in the original suit. The court ordered all parties to revert to their positions before the December 10, 2025 judgment and directed that all necessary parties be joined before the substantive suit is reheard. This ruling effectively nullifies actions taken by INEC based on the earlier judgment, including the NDC's recognition, registration certificate, inclusion in commission records, and appearance on ballot papers, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, stated that a recent court ruling in Lokoja is an unnecessary setback for Nigeria's democracy, weakening its democratic institutions. Obi shared this message on social media after learning of the judgment while in Imo State. He expressed concern that every Nigerian committed to the country's progress should be worried about the implications for democracy, noting that some political actors are undermining democratic institutions. Obi, former Anambra State governor, highlighted that both the legislature and the judiciary are increasingly experiencing institutional decline, emphasizing that democracy cannot thrive without independent and credible institutions. He maintained that his stance is based on principle, not political interest, and recalled condemning a similar situation involving the African Democratic Congress. Obi clarified that his concern is not about who becomes president but about ensuring Nigeria's institutions function effectively. He urged Nigerians to defend democratic institutions, stating that their survival is crucial for the nation's survival. This statement followed a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that set aside a previous judgment directing INEC to register the NDC, citing that the earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo and was not included in the original suit. The court ordered all parties to revert to their pos
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