Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) national leader Seriake Dickson says a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, that voids an order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party is illegal and will be challenged. The court, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, set aside a December 10, 2025 decision that had compelled INEC to register the party. The judge ruled that the earlier proceedings were constitutionally defective because not all necessary parties were heard. The decision followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued it had a legal interest in the case and should have been joined before judgment. The court also held that material facts were not properly disclosed and ordered that the substantive matter begin afresh with INEC, the PMP, and the NDC joined as parties.
Dickson rejects the ruling’s legal basis, alleging it was intended to undermine the party’s progress and claiming the application was made by an unregistered association. He says the NDC has assembled a legal team to pursue available remedies and urges supporters to remain calm. He also claims the court action has increased membership interest in the party.
