The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that had ordered the deregistration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), restoring the party’s recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The appellate court reached the decision in a 2–1 split judgment, with Justices Mohammed Danjuma and Muslim Sule Hassan forming the majority. Justice Okon Abang dissented and upheld the position of the lower court.
The dispute arose after Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja reversed an earlier judgment directing INEC to register the NDC. The reversal followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it had a legal interest in the matter but had not been included in the original proceedings.
The Lokoja court subsequently ordered a fresh hearing, prompting the NDC to appeal the decision.
In its majority ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the lower court had acted improperly by effectively sitting on appeal over its own earlier judgment of December 10, 2025, which had recognised the NDC’s registration. The appellate court also rejected the challenge concerning the party’s logo.
With the latest ruling, NDC registration has been restored at the appellate level, allowing the party to continue its preparations for the 2027 general elections, subject to any further legal challenge.
Reacting to the judgment, NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson welcomed the decision and said the party would proceed with its political activities and preparations for the 2027 elections.
Dickson also thanked members and supporters of the party, saying the judgment had resolved the legal uncertainty surrounding the NDC’s status.
He urged party members and candidates to turn their attention to the forthcoming elections, while reaffirming the NDC’s intention to participate in the 2027 polls.
The judgment, however, was not unanimous. Justice Okon Abang disagreed with the majority and held that the Federal High Court’s decision should have been upheld.
The latest ruling therefore changes the immediate legal position of the NDC, with its registration recognised by the Court of Appeal while the possibility of further legal proceedings remains.
Read Also:https://e247mag.com/abbas-condemns-attack-on-peter-obi/