A wide range of political entities and individuals, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and representatives from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Atiku Abubakar’s office, have formally rejected a recent Federal High Court decision in Lokoja. Justice Isah Dashen ruled to overturn a previous judgment that had facilitated the registration of the NDC. The court claimed that the Peace Movement Party (PMP) was unfairly excluded from the original proceedings despite ownership disputes over a political logo.
Legal representatives for the applicant indicated that the ruling mandates a return to the status quo prior to December 10, 2025, which would theoretically reverse actions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the NDC. The NDC has responded by declaring its intent to appeal the decision, arguing that the court acted outside its jurisdiction because it was already functus officio. The party emphasized that it has already completed extensive internal processes, including congresses and primaries, and maintains that it remains an active political entity.
Peter Obi voiced significant concern, labeling the verdict a regression for Nigerian democratic institutions and urging citizens to defend the independence of the judiciary. Activist Omoyele Sowore characterized the ruling as a deliberate effort to suppress political participation, while the PDP expressed alarm over the shrinking democratic space. Bolaji Abdullahi of the ADC and Paul Ibe, representing Atiku Abubakar, both identified the ruling as a critical signal for opposition parties to unify against increasing threats to the nation’s multiparty system.
