Leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has challenged the court ruling affecting the party’s registration, filing both an appeal and an application for a stay of execution as it moves ahead with preparations for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Tuesday, the party’s National Leader, HSD Dickson, disclosed that the appeal and accompanying applications had been served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alongside a covering letter urging the electoral commission to act in accordance with the law.
According to Dickson, the party remains legally recognised and has continued to participate in the country’s electoral process despite the court decision.
“Today, the NDC has filed an appeal against the ruling as well as a stay of execution/injunction, which has been served with a covering letter to the INEC chairman and his team to do what is right according to law and what is legally sensible.”
He maintained that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) remains “a duly registered party in Nigeria” and noted that the party had already concluded its nomination processes across the country.
Dickson said candidates for various elective offices had emerged through primaries that were observed and monitored by INEC, adding that the remaining task was the formal submission of candidates’ names through the commission’s portal.
“What is left is the administrative process of submitting the names to INEC, and we have been granted access to the portal to upload our qualified candidates.”
He revealed that his own name and that of the party’s presidential candidate had already been uploaded, while the vice-presidential candidate’s details would be submitted after the completion of the required documentation.
“My name and that of the Presidential Candidate have been uploaded to the INEC portal, while that of the Vice Presidential Candidate will be done tomorrow upon completion of the deposition. The process is also ongoing for other candidates.”
The NDC leader further explained that the party was working within the timetable issued by INEC, noting that there was still sufficient time to submit the names of candidates for the National Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections.
“In accordance with the INEC timetable, which we have religiously abided by, we have between now and the 11th of next month to upload all National Assembly candidates, while those of governors and State Houses of Assembly will end on the 17th of July. So there is enough time for all candidates’ names to be submitted to INEC and there is no reason for anyone to panic.”
Dickson also acknowledged the efforts of party members and aspirants who participated in the primaries, admitting that while the exercises were not without challenges, reconciliation efforts had already commenced.
“The reconciliation processes have started and we expect them to reach everyone… We assure them that all those who expressed interest will be carried along in the party’s campaigns, committees and structures, because they constitute the grassroots strength and the backbone of our party.”
He congratulated all candidates who emerged from the primaries and reiterated the party’s commitment to Nigeria’s democratic system.
“Our multi-party democracy must not die. We will not allow desperados and mercenaries parading as political leaders to destroy our hard-earned democracy.”
Dickson also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their support and commended INEC for what he described as its professionalism.
“We also thank INEC, led by Professor Joash Amupitan, for their professionalism so far, and we expect them to continue on this path, and they will have the understanding of us all.”
He further praised the commission for complying with previous court directives relating to the registration of the NDC and other political parties, while calling on democratic institutions to remain impartial.
“Despite the imperfections of our institutions, INEC, the judiciary and security agencies, all leaders must be united to preserve the neutrality of the institutions that protect our democracy and our nation’s integrity.”
Dickson concluded by expressing confidence that the judiciary would determine the matter in line with the law.
“Having filed and served our appeal and the accompanying applications, the ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law.”
He ended the statement with the message:
“Long live the NDC. Long live Nigerian democracy.”