BREAKING NEWS: After Rejecting Lokoja High Court Ruling, NDC Reveals Next Move

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According to a report by Nigerian Tribune on Friday 26th June 2026, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to challenge the Federal High Court ruling that nullified the judgment leading to its registration as a political party, maintaining that it remains legally recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement released on Friday by its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, the party described the court’s decision as disappointing and confirmed that it had directed its legal team to immediately appeal the ruling.

According to the NDC, its registration followed a December 2025 judgment of the Federal High Court, which ordered INEC to register the party after the electoral body initially declined its application; The party stressed that INEC complied with that order, making its registration lawful.

The NDC said it has since operated as a recognised political party, conducting nationwide membership registration, congresses at ward, local government, state and national levels, as well as primary elections in preparation for the 2027 general elections; It also noted that it participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states.

Reacting to the latest judgment delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, the party argued that the application was brought by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which it described as an unregistered association lacking the legal standing to seek the reversal of an earlier court judgment.

The party further maintained that the trial court had already concluded the matter in December 2025 and therefore lacked jurisdiction to revisit its final decision; It insisted that while the court set aside its previous judgment, it did not issue any order deregistering the NDC.

“We have instructed our lawyers to immediately approach the Court of Appeal to contest the jurisdiction and legality of the ruling,” the statement said.

The NDC reassured its members, supporters and candidates that all party activities and nominations remain valid while the appeal process is underway.

It also accused unnamed political interests of attempting to use the judiciary to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that Nigerians deserve a democratic environment where all political platforms are free to participate.

The party expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling and reaffirm its legal status, while thanking its supporters for their continued trust and commitment.