NDC Appeals Court Judgment Setting Aside Registration

….Insists Party Remains Legally Recognised

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed that it has filed a notice of appeal against the Federal High Court judgment that set aside its registration, insisting that the party remains legally recognised and is still listed on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed on Monday that its legal team successfully filed the appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lokoja, Kogi State, and would soon serve the electoral commission with the court processes.

“Yes, we succeeded in filing the appeal today. We are going to serve INEC very soon. Our legal team was in Lokoja, Kogi State, today,” Director said.

He dismissed reports suggesting that the NDC had been deregistered, assuring members, supporters and candidates that there was no cause for alarm.

“We are not in panic mode. Our candidates need not fear. The NDC is a registered party. This is still reflected on the portal of INEC,” he stated.

Director also faulted media reports on the court ruling, arguing that the case before the court only challenged the party’s logo and not its existence as a registered political party.

“The narrative in the media is not even right. The group only challenged the use of our logo in court. That does not mean we are deregistered. That is why we are thanking our members, supporters and Nigerians for their understanding and solidarity,” he added.

The appeal comes after a series of emergency strategy meetings involving the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee and other key stakeholders.

A senior party official had earlier disclosed that the leadership held marathon meetings over the weekend to finalise its legal strategy before approaching the Court of Appeal.

The development follows the Federal High Court’s decision in Lokoja to set aside its earlier judgment directing INEC to register the NDC.

While describing the ruling as a legal setback, the party has maintained that it does not amount to deregistration and has vowed to pursue all legal avenues to overturn the decision.

The NDC reiterated that it remains a legally recognised political platform pending the determination of its appeal and urged its members and supporters to remain calm.