The presidential aspirations of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso faced a hurdle on Friday when the Federal High Court in Lokoja invalidated its previous order that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Justice Isah Dashen stated that the original judgment failed to account for the interests of the Peace Movement Party, which contests the legitimacy of the logo utilized by the NDC.
Because the PMP was not involved in the initial litigation despite its claims of logo ownership, the court ruled the previous decision void, effectively returning the matter to the hearing stage. This development has sparked alarm among opposition groups, who fear it signals a strategic move to undermine multi-party competition before the 2027 elections.
The NDC leadership promptly denounced the ruling, asserting that they remain a registered entity. They plan to contest the decision at the Court of Appeal. Seriake Dickson, the party’s national leader, labeled the order as illegal and a threat to democratic standards, while Peter Obi framed the situation as a deliberate attempt by the federal government to block his candidacy. Supporters and various political commentators have expressed concerns that the judiciary is being manipulated to facilitate a one-party system in Nigeria.
