The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it will challenge the Federal High Court ruling that set aside the judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it as a political party.
The party stated its position in a statement issued on Friday by Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, its national chairman.
Says party remains valid
The NDC said the court did not order its deregistration.
It added that it remains a legally recognised political party pending the outcome of its appeal.
“There was no order directing our deregistration,” the statement reads.
“The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal.”
Questions court’s jurisdiction
Furthermore, the party argued that the federal high court became functus officio after delivering its judgment in December 2025.
It said the court had exhausted its jurisdiction over the matter.
According to the NDC, the only option available to any aggrieved party was to file an appeal.
“The court, having delivered a final judgment in our suit against INEC, had become functus officio,” the statement reads.
Faults Peace Movement Party’s application
Meanwhile, the NDC questioned the legal standing of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which applied to set aside the earlier judgment.
The party said the PMP is neither a registered political party nor an association seeking registration under the current exercise.
It argued that the application amounted to an abuse of court process.
“To now try to upturn that verdict through the back door, via a motion, is not only unheard-of, but also illegal and an outright abuse of court process,” the statement reads.
Says political activities will continue
In addition, the NDC said it has continued to function as a political party since its registration.
The party said it has registered members, conducted congresses, held a national convention and concluded primaries for elective offices.
It also noted that it participated in the recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states.
According to the statement, its candidates for the house of assembly, house of representatives, senate, governorship, vice-presidential and presidential elections have already been nominated.
Condemns attempt to ‘shrink democratic space’
The NDC also accused unnamed actors of attempting to use the judiciary to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We condemn efforts by those who seek to shrink the democratic space and stifle opposition voices and alternatives,” the statement reads.
“It is too late for anyone to attempt to use the judiciary to derail or narrow Nigeria’s multi-party democratic space.”
The party expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling.
