L-R: National Chairman, Nigeria Democratic Congress,NDC Senator Moses Cleopas, Peter Obi, National Leader of the Party, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and Engr ,Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso during the presentation of Membership card to Obi and Kwankwaso, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has urged the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other aspirants to remain in the party despite the recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja.
Speaking on Politics Today on Sunday, Dickson dismissed reports that some candidates were considering leaving the party following Friday’s judgment, insisting that the NDC remains legally recognised and will participate in the 2027 general election.
The controversy stems from a ruling by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party.
The court held that the earlier decision affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used in securing the registration order but was not joined in the suit.
Reacting to concerns over the judgment, Dickson described the development as a deliberate distraction aimed at creating panic within the party.
“Our candidates are steadfast. They have already emerged as candidates of our party. They know the steps we are taking and, in no distant time, their names will be uploaded to the INEC portal,” he said.
He added:
“The NDC is on the ballot. All our candidates will be on the ballot. The NDC has not been deregistered and will not be deregistered.”
Dickson also ruled out petitioning the National Judicial Council over the judgment, saying the party would instead pursue legal remedies through the appellate courts.
“The judge has erred and we are not happy about it, but we have confidence in the Nigerian judicial system. The hierarchy of courts exists to correct such decisions,” he stated.
The NDC is expected to file an appeal against the Lokoja judgment on Monday, maintaining that the ruling neither dissolved the party nor barred it from participating in the 2027 elections.
