The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to challenge a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, which nullified its registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party says it is confident the decision will not stand after appeal.
This was disclosed by the party’s National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Dickson, in a statement posted on his X account on Friday following the ruling delivered by Justice Isah Dashen.
Dickson faulted the judgment, describing it as lacking legal basis and suggesting it was aimed at weakening the party and limiting democratic space.
The statement partly read, “This morning, I, like several other leaders, officials, candidates of the NDC, and members of the public, was jolted by the order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja and presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.
“All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand.
“We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking appropriate steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy.
“I call on all members, supporters, and candidates of the NDC to remain calm and continue with their normal political activities. This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt.”
He maintained that the ruling was anti-democratic and said the party would use legal channels to have it vacated.
Dickson also argued that the case was brought by an unregistered association, which he said had no legal standing as a political party and was not a necessary party to the suit.
He further stated that the group did not apply for registration in 2025 and was not among the 171 associations that applied to INEC or the 21 shortlisted for approval.
According to him, the party will explore all lawful means to overturn what he called “a judicial anomaly.”
“We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it,” he said.
Dickson added that the legal dispute would not slow down the party’s activities, insisting that the NDC remains focused and committed.
He also claimed that the court decision triggered a wave of support, with thousands reportedly joining the party in solidarity.
The NDC, registered by INEC in December 2025, is now embroiled in a legal battle after the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its registration.