Kwankwaso Urges Calm as NDC Faces Deregistration Ruling, Promises Legal Appeal
The vice‑presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya group to stay calm following a recent court decision that threatens the party’s registration.
Justice Isa H. Dashen of the Lokoja Judicial Division overturned an earlier ruling that had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC. The judge said the prior judgment was set aside because it affected the legal rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claims ownership of the logo used by the NDC but was not a party to the original suit.
In a statement posted on 𝕏, Kwankwaso expressed disappointment that the court based its reversal on a lawsuit filed by a non‑existent entity, the Peace Movement Party. He noted that the NDC’s logo – a victory sign made with fingers – is clearly different from the APC’s symbol, and that the original December 2023 High Court decision correctly found no substantial similarity that would justify rejecting the party’s application.
“From the end of December until now, six months have passed. INEC never appealed that judgment; instead, it proceeded to register the party and has been present at all our events – from congresses to the national convention and the recent special convention,” Kwankwaso said.
He added that learning a group that had been denied registration by INEC went back to the same judge to request the NDC’s deregistration came as a shock to party members and other well‑meaning political actors, both locally and abroad. The same judge, in the same court, reversed his earlier decision based on parties that do not represent any registered organisation.
As law‑abiding citizens, the NDC will return to court as soon as possible – likely this coming Monday – to seek a stay of any further action and to lodge an appeal aimed at restoring the party’s registration.
Kwankwaso concluded by urging supporters across the country, especially the youth in the NDC, Kwankwasiyya and the Obidient movement, to remain patient, confident that reason will ultimately prevail.
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