The Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, describing the decision as legally flawed and insisting that it remains a duly registered political party.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, followed an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), an association the NDC maintains is neither a registered political party nor an organisation currently undergoing registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on behalf of the party, Ondo State Chairman, Kennedy Peretei, recalled that the NDC secured a landmark judgment in December 2025 after challenging INEC’s refusal to register it as a political party. The Federal High Court had upheld the party’s constitutional right to freedom of association and directed INEC to register it, a judgment the electoral commission fully complied with.
According to Peretei, the NDC has since operated within the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC regulations. He said the party has established structures across the country, conducted ward, local government and state congresses, held a successful national convention, participated in INEC activities, including recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states, and nominated candidates for all elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party questioned the legal basis upon which the Lokoja court entertained an application seeking to set aside a judgment that had already become final. It argued that the court had become functus officio after delivering its earlier judgment, having fully determined issues relating to the party’s name, symbol and colours.
Peretei further noted that no appeal was filed against the original judgment within the period prescribed by law. While acknowledging reports that the court had set aside its previous decision, he stressed that no order was made directing the deregistration of the NDC.
Consequently, the party said it 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 latest ruling.
Acting on the directive of the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriaki Dickson, alongside the National Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC), the Ondo chapter reassured members, supporters and candidates that the party remains fully operational. It added that all nominations already made for the 2027 elections remain valid pending the outcome of the appeal.
The NDC also condemned what it described as attempts to use the judicial process to restrict Nigeria’s democratic space and frustrate emerging political alternatives. It argued that any party dissatisfied with the earlier judgment ought to have pursued the appropriate appellate process rather than seek to overturn a final decision through a fresh application.
Reaffirming its confidence in the judiciary, the party expressed optimism that justice would prevail at the appellate court. It also thanked Nigerians for their continued support and pledged to remain committed to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the promotion of credible political alternatives as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
