Nigeria Democratic Congress prepares appeal against deregistration ruling

The ruling, issued by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside an earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to register the NDC. This decision has heightened political tensions, with opposition leaders suggesting it aims to weaken opposition forces before the 2027 general election. NDC officials, including National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu, confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday, June 30, 2026.

Enekweizu described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and lacking legal foundation, expressing confidence that the party would win on appeal. He asserted that all NDC candidates, including presidential candidate Peter Obi, would be on the ballot for the upcoming elections. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, met with Seriake Dickson in Abuja, stating that no temporary setback would weaken the NDC.

He expressed confidence in the party's ability to overcome legal challenges and appealed to members not to be discouraged. The court's decision to set aside the earlier judgment was based on the finding that it was delivered without hearing all affected parties, particularly the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the disputed par