The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the reported order of the Federal High Court in Lokoja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the National Democratic Congress (NDC), describing it as a major setback for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment but expressed concern over what it called the implications of the court order.
The PDP argued that the decision would further shrink Nigeria’s democratic space, especially after many Nigerians had invested time and resources to pursue elective offices under the NDC platform.
According to the party, the reported deregistration amounts to “an asphyxiation of multiparty democracy” and an economic loss for party members and supporters who had committed resources to the political platform.
The opposition party also alleged that the development aligned with what it described as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government’s strategy to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. It claimed the move was aimed at creating an environment for President Bola Tinubu’s unchallenged re-election.
“The absurdities that have occurred under the APC Federal Government clearly demonstrate its disdain for fair political competition,” the statement said.
The PDP urged the leadership of the NDC to challenge the court order through all available legal means while rallying public support for what it described as the defence of democratic values.
It also called on the Federal Government to take steps to reduce political tensions in the country, stressing the need to safeguard peace, stability and democratic governance.
The Federal High Court in Lokoja reportedly ordered INEC to deregister the NDC, although details of the judgment were yet to be officially released at the time of filing this report.