Court Restores NDC, Party To Contest 2027 General Elections

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, will take part in the 2027 general elections after a major victory in court.

The party confirmed this following a judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The appellate court set aside an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court that ordered its deregistration.

The announcement was made by the party’s National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson. He reacted to the decision in a statement issued in Abuja.

Dickson said the Court of Appeal overturned the judgment delivered a few months ago by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

According to him, the appeal was allowed. The lead judgment was delivered by Presiding Justice Mohammed Danjuma and read by Justice Hassan.

The court ruled in favour of the NDC and set aside Justice Dashen’s decision which had purported to deregister the party.

Dickson commended the judiciary for the verdict. He singled out Justices Danjuma and Hassan for upholding the integrity of the court.

He said their decision has expanded the space for multiparty democracy in Nigeria.

The NDC leader noted that the party was formed to deepen multiparty democracy. He described the Lokoja judgment as an unexpected attack on their constitutional right to exist.

With the new ruling, he said the democratic space has been protected. The NDC’s right to operate as a registered party has been upheld.

Dickson also congratulated members and candidates of the party. He thanked Nigerians who showed sympathy and support after the Federal High Court judgment.

He said the party’s registration remains valid and subsisting. The NDC and its candidates will contest all elections in 2027 and beyond.

He called on members to focus on campaigns and prepare for the polls. According to him, the task ahead is to face the APC and defeat them.

Dickson added that attempts to arm-twist or intimidate the judiciary will not work. He expressed confidence in the party’s message, its candidates and the support of Nigerians.

He insisted that the fight for multiparty democracy in Nigeria will continue.