The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to appeal a ruling delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which reportedly set aside an earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, the NDC said the ruling was delivered on Friday by Justice Isah Dashen following an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), an association the party described as unregistered.
According to the NDC, it initially approached the Federal High Court in December 2025 after INEC declined to register it as a political party. The court subsequently ruled in its favour, affirming its constitutional right to freedom of association and directing INEC to register the party.
The party said it has since carried out nationwide political activities, including membership registration, congresses at all levels, national conventions, and primary elections in line with INEC’s timetable. It also noted that it participated in recent by-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and has nominated candidates for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, presidential, and vice-presidential elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NDC argued that the Peace Movement Party is neither a registered political party nor an association currently seeking registration under INEC’s ongoing registration exercise. It maintained that the application was based on a claim that the group had sought registration in 2015 using the victory sign as its proposed symbol but was denied.
The party further contended that the Federal High Court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment in the matter and had already addressed issues relating to the use of party symbols and colours. It added that no appeal had been filed against that judgment.
According to the NDC, although the latest ruling reportedly set aside the earlier judgment, it did not order the deregistration of the party.
“We have instructed our team of lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of His Lordship’s order,” the statement said.
The party reassured its members and candidates that it remains a legally registered political party and that its nominations for elective offices remain valid pending the outcome of the appeal.
The NDC also criticised what it described as attempts to restrict Nigeria’s democratic space and limit political alternatives ahead of the 2027 general elections. It argued that any party dissatisfied with the original judgment should have pursued an appeal within the prescribed legal timeframe rather than seek to overturn the decision through a motion.
The party expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling and affirmed its commitment to participating fully in the 2027 electoral process.