The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has appealed the Federal High Court ruling that nullified its registration, insisting it remains in the race ahead of the 2027 elections.
Seriake Dickson, the party’s national leader, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the NDC had already filed a notice of appeal and an application seeking a stay of execution of the judgment.
According to Dickson, the appeal documents have been served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the commission has granted the party access to its portal for the upload of candidates’ details.
“Today, the NDC filed an appeal against the ruling, along with a motion for stay of execution and injunction. These documents have been served on the INEC chairman and his team,” he said.
Dickson added that his name and that of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had already been uploaded to the INEC portal, while the vice-presidential candidate’s details would be completed after the required documentation is finalised.
He said the party was working within INEC’s timetable and remained confident that all its candidates would be submitted before the deadline.
“In line with the commission’s schedule, we have until July 11 to upload National Assembly candidates and until July 17 for governorship and State Assembly candidates. There is sufficient time to complete the process, so there is no cause for alarm,” he said.
The latest development follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside its earlier judgment directing INEC to register the NDC as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen held that the previous decision was reached without hearing all parties with an interest in the matter, making the proceedings constitutionally defective.
The court ruled after considering an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it should have been joined in the original suit before the judgment was delivered.
The judge subsequently ordered that the case be heard afresh with INEC, the PMP and the NDC participating as parties.
Despite the setback, Dickson maintained that the party would continue to pursue its legal options and expressed confidence that the judiciary would ultimately determine the matter in accordance with the law.
He also acknowledged concerns raised by some members over the conduct of the party’s primaries, admitting that the process was not perfect.
According to him, reconciliation efforts have already begun to address grievances and bring disappointed aspirants back into the fold.
“The reconciliation process is ongoing, and we are committed to carrying everyone along. Those who showed interest in contesting remain important to the party and will continue to play key roles in our structures, committees and campaign activities,” he said.
Dickson thanked supporters for standing by the party and urged public institutions, including INEC, the judiciary and security agencies, to remain impartial as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
“With the appeal now filed and served, the matter is before the courts. We trust that the judiciary will do what is right and uphold the rule of law,” he added.
