NDC Leader Clarifies Party Status After Court Ruling
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has stated unequivocally that the party has not been deregistered, despite a recent court judgment that set aside an earlier order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.
Speaking after the ruling, Dickson noted that the decision did not strip the party of its legal existence. He emphasized that the NDC has taken the necessary legal steps to challenge the judgment and protect its status.
Membership Registrations Surge Online
Since the court’s ruling on Friday, Dickson said, thousands of Nigerians have visited the NDC’s website to register as members. He attributed the increase to greater public awareness of the party’s platform, its candidates, and the vision it puts forward for the 2027 elections.
“I want to thank all Nigerians for their support, solidarity, and prayers. The influx of registrations shows that people are sympathising with our cause and buying into what we stand for,” Dickson remarked.
Candidates Remain on the Ballot for 2027
Dickson affirmed that all candidates nominated by the NDC for the forthcoming elections emerged from primaries that were monitored nationwide by INEC. He assured that those nominations remain valid and that the party’s flag will appear on the ballot for every elective office — from the House of Assembly to the presidency.
He also clarified that the court’s decision did not, by any means, deregister the NDC. The party’s administrative submission to INEC is merely a procedural step; the substantive validation occurs during the primaries, which have already been conducted in accordance with INEC’s timelines.
Justice Isah Dashen, who delivered the ruling, observed that the earlier December 10, 2025 judgment had inadvertently affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not a party to the suit despite claiming ownership of the logo used in the case.
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