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The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has set aside a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that nullified an earlier decision recognising the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a registered political party.
National Leader of the NDC and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the appellate court’s judgment affirmed the party’s right to participate in Nigeria’s political process.
The development followed a June 26, 2026, judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, which had set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.
The Lokoja ruling followed an application by the Peace Movement Party, which argued that its interests had been affected by the earlier proceedings.
Dickson said the Court of Appeal allowed the NDC’s appeal and set aside the Lokoja judgment. He identified Justice Mohammed Danjuma as the presiding justice and said Justice Hassan delivered the judgment.
Dickson commended the judiciary, saying the appellate court’s decision had restored what he described as the NDC’s constitutional right to participate in political activities.
The Court of Appeal’s decision effectively reversed the June 26 judgment and restored the effect of the Federal High Court’s December 10, 2025, decision directing INEC to recognise and register the party.
Dickson congratulated NDC members and candidates, saying their registration remained valid and that the party would participate in the 2027 elections.
“The NDC continues to exist. Our registration remains valid and subsisting, and we and all our candidates will participate in all elections in 2027 and beyond,” he said.
He urged party members to shift their focus to preparations for the 2027 elections, including the party’s campaign and its contest with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dickson also warned against attempts to influence the judiciary, expressing confidence in the party’s candidates, membership and political message.
“A resort to arm-twisting, inducing or intimidating the judiciary will not work,” he said.
He added that the NDC would continue to advocate for broader multiparty participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
