The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the Federal High Court judgment that set aside its earlier recognition as a political party, insisting that it remains duly registered and will immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party described the ruling delivered by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, as surprising and legally questionable.
The court had vacated its December 2025 judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC after an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC during its registration process.
Reacting to the judgment, the NDC argued that the PMP is neither a registered political party nor an association involved in the ongoing political process.
“The association that filed the complaint is unknown to us. The Peace Movement Party is not a registered political party in Nigeria,” the party said.
The NDC maintained that following the court-ordered registration by INEC, it had carried out extensive political activities, including membership registration, congresses at various levels, conventions, primary elections and participation in by-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states.
According to the party, it has already nominated candidates for governorship, National Assembly, presidential and vice-presidential positions and is preparing to submit their names to INEC in line with the electoral timetable.
Questioning the basis of the latest ruling, the party argued that the court had already delivered a final judgment on the matter and had become functus officio, meaning it no longer had the authority to revisit the case.
The NDC further clarified that the judgment did not amount to its deregistration.
“There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision and have instructed our lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal,” the statement added.
The party assured its members and candidates that its activities would continue uninterrupted while the legal battle continues.
“We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party is on course. The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible.”
The party also accused unnamed political actors of attempting to undermine opposition parties and restrict democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Justice Dashen, in his ruling, held that the earlier judgment adversely affected the rights of the PMP, which was not joined as a party in the original suit despite claiming ownership of the disputed logo.
The court subsequently ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the December 2025 judgment and directed that all necessary parties be joined in the substantive case.
