Dickson Rejects Court Ruling, Begins Legal Fight to Restore NDC Registration
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has rejected a recent Federal High Court ruling that overturned an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, declaring that the decision would be challenged through legal means.
The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its previous judgment of December 10, 2025, which had ordered INEC to register the NDC as a political party. The court ruled that the earlier decision was reached without hearing all parties with an interest in the matter, making the proceedings constitutionally flawed.
Justice Isah Dashen held that the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which sought to be joined in the suit, had a legitimate legal interest that was not considered before the initial judgment was delivered. The court subsequently ordered that the case be heard afresh with all relevant parties, including INEC, the NDC and the applicant, participating in the proceedings.
Reacting to the ruling, Dickson described the judgment as lacking legal merit and alleged that it was designed to undermine the foundation of the party and restrict Nigeria’s democratic space.
He maintained that the NDC had already assembled a team of lawyers to challenge the ruling at the appropriate judicial level, expressing confidence that the court’s decision would eventually be overturned.
The former Bayelsa State governor urged party members, candidates and supporters to remain calm and continue their political activities while the legal process runs its course.
Dickson also questioned the legal standing of the applicant whose application led to the court’s decision, insisting that the NDC would exhaust all lawful avenues to protect its registration and participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Despite the setback, the NDC leadership expressed optimism that the party would overcome the legal challenge and continue its preparations for the 2027 general elections.
