Ondo NDC Defends Peter Obi‑Rabiu Kwankwaso 2027 Ticket Despite Court Setback
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ondo State has declared that its Peter Obi‑Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket remains intact, even after a Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside an earlier judgment that had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
Justice Isah Dashen ruled on Friday that all interested parties must be heard before a substantive decision can be made, noting that the Peace Movement Party (PMP) is a necessary party to the suit. The judge’s decision has been described by the NDC as a procedural hiccup rather than a substantive defeat.
Party Leadership Reassures Members and Supporters
In a statement released on Sunday, Ondo State NDC Chairman Kennedy Peretei characterised the ruling as a temporary legal setback that will not derail the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Peretei quoted the national leadership, led by Senator Henry Seriaki Dickson, saying:
“Our party, as directed by the National Leader, His Excellency Senator Henry Seriaki Dickson, the National Chairman and the National Working Committee, reassures its candidates, members and supporters that the party remains operational and that all nominations made remain valid pending the determination of the appeal.
We express confidence that justice will ultimately prevail.”
The Ondo chairman added that the NDC is confident the Court of Appeal will overturn the ruling and restore the party’s legal status.
Background of the Legal tussle
The NDC recalled that after INEC allegedly refused to register the party in December 2025, it approached the Federal High Court, which upheld its right to freedom of association and ordered the commission to register it. Following that judgment, the party completed nationwide registration, held congresses and a national convention, participated in INEC activities, and nominated candidates for the 2027 elections.
The party argued that the Peace Movement Party was neither a registered political entity nor an association seeking registration, questioning why the court allowed its application to be heard. It also pointed out that the trial court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment, and that no appeal was filed within the statutory period.
The NDC condemned attempts to use judicial processes to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and frustrate legitimate political alternatives, insisting that any dissatisfied party should have filed an appeal within the prescribed timeframe rather than seeking to overturn a final judgment through a motion.
To date, no order has been issued directing the NDC’s deregistration. The party’s legal team has been instructed to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
About the Author
