NDC to appeal court verdict, says Peter Obi remains on ballot

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has said it remains a legally registered political party despite a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, ruling that set aside the judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it, insisting it would challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

The party added that the rapid growth of the NDC had unsettled the ruling establishment, noting that the party had emerged as a major opposition force within four months of its registration, while urging party members and candidates to remain calm and continue their campaigns.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the party’s National Chairman, Moses Zuwoghe, maintained that the court did not order the deregistration of the NDC and assured members and candidates that preparations for the 2027 general elections would continue uninterrupted.

The NDC chairman also assured supporters that the party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and all other candidates would remain on the ballot for the 2027 general elections.

Zuwoghe said the briefing became necessary following widespread enquiries over the judgment delivered by Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court on an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which he described as an unregistered association.

According to him, the NDC secured a Federal High Court judgment in December 2025 compelling INEC to register it after challenging the electoral body’s refusal to register the party.

He noted that since its registration, the party had conducted nationwide membership registration, congresses from the ward to national levels, held its national convention, concluded primary elections in line with INEC’s timetable and participated in all activities organised by the electoral commission.

The chairman added that the party also fielded candidates in the recent senatorial bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states, saying the participation underscored INEC’s recognition of the NDC as a registered political party.