The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is formally challenging a recent Lokoja Federal High Court decision that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold recognition of the party until ongoing legal disputes are settled. Despite the court ruling, the NDC asserts its status as a legally registered political entity remains intact.
Osa Director, the National Publicity Secretary, confirmed that the party’s legal representatives have filed for a stay of execution. During a discussion in Abuja, he clarified that the party is awaiting formal documentation regarding these proceedings. Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, the National Secretary, further explained that the court specifically voided a previous directive requiring INEC to register the party but did not order the NDC’s dissolution or deregistration.
The leadership maintains that no current court order prevents the party from operating. They have encouraged members and candidates to remain focused as they prepare for the 2027 general elections. The legal team is currently appealing the judgment at the Court of Appeal, confident that the previous decision contained significant errors. Enekweizu emphasized that party activities will continue without interruption, despite claims that the ruling was timed to impede their electoral preparations. The underlying dispute originates from a claim by the Peace Movement Party (PMP) regarding the ownership of the logo used by the NDC for its registration.
