NDC Deregistration Ruling Sparks Appeal Efforts Led by Obi, Kwankwaso

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has concluded extensive strategic meetings involving its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, national leader, Seriake Dickson, and other key stakeholders, as the party prepares to appeal a recent court judgment that nullified its registration. These crucial discussions took place just 48 hours after the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, reversed its earlier decision instructing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.

This development has heightened political tensions and drawn criticism from opposition figures who believe the ruling is an attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. An unnamed senior party official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, revealed that the NDC leadership held continuous emergency meetings to finalize its legal approach before heading to the Court of Appeal today, Monday. The official confirmed that Obi, Dickson, the party’s national chairman, national secretary, and other leaders attended a closed-door meeting on Saturday, with another emergency session held on Sunday to refine their appeal strategy.

“Yes, several closed-door meetings have occurred since the Kogi High Court judgment became public. For instance, Obi, Senator Dickson, the party chairman, the secretary, and other executives were present at yesterday’s meeting,” the source stated. “Even as we speak, another emergency meeting is ongoing in anticipation of tomorrow’s appeal. However, we are not yet privy to who will lead the legal team. What I do know is that the NDC National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, will play a significant role.”

Ikenna Enekweizu, the National Secretary of the NDC, confirmed that the appeal would be filed today, Monday, but declined to name the lead counsel. “I don’t believe it’s appropriate at this time for us to announce our legal team leader. Once we file our processes on Monday, you will know who is on the team and who leads it,” he explained. Enekweizu described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and legally unfounded, expressing confidence that the party would succeed in its appeal. “This is the worst thing that can happen in the judiciary. That ruling has no legal basis. There is no precedent in law that can justify it,” he asserted.

He further added, “So, obviously, we see it as part of the attempts by the powers that be to further shrink the democratic process in Nigeria. I’m sure we are aware that recently, some parties, by virtue of a judicial ruling, were ordered to be deregistered. What they were attempting to do was to ensure that we do not take part in the democratic process that is still ongoing. But I can assure you that it will not happen. Our candidates will definitely participate in the forthcoming elections.” Enekweizu reiterated the party’s belief in the judiciary as the last hope for the common Nigerian, promising to pursue the appeal to its ultimate conclusion, ensuring all NDC candidates, including Peter Obi, will be on the ballot.

Separately, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, affirmed that the NDC would not be deterred by any temporary setbacks. He made this declaration after a courtesy visit to Seriake Dickson, the NDC National Leader, in Abuja on Sunday. Kwankwaso shared details of the meeting on his verified Facebook page, highlighting it as part of efforts to strengthen the party for the 2027 general elections. “Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of our party, the NDC, His Excellency Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja,” Kwankwaso wrote. “The engagement forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s unity, resilience, and strategic readiness as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.”

He expressed unwavering confidence in the party’s ability to overcome its current legal challenges, emphasizing its commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. “As true democrats, we remain committed to the rule of law and have absolute confidence in the judicial process,” he stated. “No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity, and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.” Kwankwaso urged party members and supporters to remain calm and focused, believing that “Nigeria will be OK.”

The Lokoja court’s decision to set aside its earlier judgment was based on the premise that it had been delivered without hearing all affected parties, particularly the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the disputed party logo. This ruling effectively restored the parties to their pre-December 10, 2025, positions, although INEC is awaiting the certified true copy of the judgment before taking further action. The NDC has emerged as a significant opposition platform following the defection of prominent politicians like Kwankwaso and Peter Obi.

Moses Cleopas, the National Chairman of the NDC, stated that the party had anticipated such legal and political obstacles, expressing confidence that the appellate court would overturn the ruling. “As the main opposition party today, we have always anticipated what they could throw at us,” he said. Cleopas described the court’s action as an abuse of the judicial system, urging judicial players not to undermine the country’s legal framework. “This is just an attempt to see whether we will shake. There is no shaking because we are stronger,” he declared.

Beyond legal avenues, another anonymous senior party official disclosed that the NDC has initiated a comprehensive public engagement strategy. This plan involves collaborations with civil society organizations, professional bodies, and media organizations to garner support for their stance and future campaigns. “Presently, the party has activated and structured a move to start engaging civil societies and media engagements as part of its defense and future campaigns,” the source concluded, indicating upcoming press conferences and interactions with various pressure groups.