Obi, Kwankwaso Lead NDC’s Legal Push After Court Ruling
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified preparations to challenge the recent Federal High Court ruling that set aside its registration, with key party leaders, including presidential candidate Peter Obi, vice presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and National Leader Seriake Dickson, leading strategy meetings ahead of the appeal. The party is expected to file its appeal today, maintaining that the Lokoja court judgment neither deregistered the NDC nor disqualified its candidates from participating in the 2027 general elections. A senior party official disclosed that the leadership has held several emergency meetings to coordinate its legal response, with the National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, expected to play a central role. National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu confirmed the appeal would proceed but declined to reveal the lead counsel. The legal dispute followed a Federal High Court ruling that nullified an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC. The court held that the earlier decision was reached without hearing the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the disputed party logo. Reacting to the ruling, Enekweizu described it as unprecedented and lacking legal merit, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the decision. He insisted all NDC candidates, from the presidential race to state assembly contests, would remain on the ballot. Kwankwaso also reassured party members after meeting Dickson in Abuja, urging supporters to remain calm and united. "No temporary setback can weaken a movement built on hope, justice and equity," he said, expressing confidence in the judicial process. Dickson dismissed reports suggesting party candidates were considering leaving the NDC, describing the ruling as a distraction aimed at unsettling the opposition. "Our candidates remain committed, and the NDC will be on the ballot in 2027," he said, adding that the party would pursue legal remedies rather than seek disciplinary action against the trial judge.
The NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, also expressed confidence that the appeal would succeed, while revealing that the party had activated a nationwide engagement campaign involving civil society groups and the media to strengthen public support. The party's position has received backing from the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, the Obidient Movement and the Ondo State chapter of the NDC, all of which insisted the ruling would not prevent the party from participating in the 2027 elections. Senior lawyers, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria Adedayo Adedeji and Itse Sagay, noted that the Federal High Court is not the final authority on the matter, stressing that the NDC has a constitutional right to appeal and seek redress at the Court of Appeal. They urged an expedited hearing, given the case's implications for the 2027 electoral process.
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