The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Ondo State has rejected the Federal High Court’s ruling reversing its earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to recognise it as a political party.
In a statement on Sunday by its state chairman, Mr Kennedy Peretei, the party
condemned alleged attempts to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and frustrate legitimate political alternatives through the judicial processes.
It maintained that if any party was dissatisfied with the original judgment, the proper legal remedy was to file an appeal within the prescribed period rather than seek to overturn a final judgment through a motion.
Following is Peretei’s full statement:
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Ondo State Chapter, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ruling delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen, on an application filed by an unregistered association known as the Peace Movement Party (PMP).
“We recall that in December 2025, following the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register NDC as a political party, it approached the Federal High Court, which upheld its constitutional right to freedom of association and ordered INEC to register the party. INEC complied fully with that judgment.
“Since its registration, the NDC has operated lawfully within the framework of the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines.
“The party has registered members nationwide, conducted ward, local government, state congresses and held its national convention, successfully.
“We conducted primary elections, and participated in all INEC activities, including the recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu States. We have also nominated candidates for all elective offices in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
“Our party maintains that the Peace Movement Party is neither a registered political party nor an association currently seeking registration under the ongoing exercise. We therefore question the legal basis upon which the court entertained its application to set aside a final judgment already delivered in favour of the NDC.
“The trial court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment and had already determined issues relating to the party’s name, symbol and colours. No appeal was filed against that judgment within the statutory period.
“While informed that the court has set aside its earlier judgment, the NDC emphasises that no order was made directing the deregistration of the party. Consequently, the party has instructed its legal team to immediately approach the Court of Appeal to challenge both the jurisdiction of the trial court and the propriety of the ruling.
“Our party as directed by the National Leader, His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriaki Dickson, the National Chairman and National Working Committee (NWC) reassures its candidates, members and supporters that the party remains operational and that all nominations made remain valid pending the determination of the appeal.
“We express confidence that justice will ultimately prevail.
“However, our party also condemns attempts to use judicial processes to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and frustrate legitimate political alternatives. We maintain that if any party was dissatisfied with the original judgment, the proper legal remedy was to file an appeal within the prescribed period rather than seek to overturn a final judgment through a motion.
“The NDC thanks Nigerians for their continued support and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the advancement of credible political alternatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
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