The development comes barely 48 hours after the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its earlier judgment which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party
KaNo —
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified efforts to overturn a recent court ruling nullifying its registration, holding a series of high-level strategy meetings ahead of filing an appeal at the Court of Appeal on Monday.
The emergency consultations involved key figures within the party, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi; National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson; members of the National Working Committee; and other prominent stakeholders.
The development comes barely 48 hours after the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its earlier judgment which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
A senior party official, who spoke with the Punch on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, disclosed that the leadership had been engaged in back-to-back emergency meetings to fine-tune its legal strategy.
According to the source, a crucial closed-door meeting was held on Saturday, attended by Obi, Dickson, the party’s national chairman, national secretary, and other top executives. Another emergency session was convened on Sunday to finalise preparations for the appeal.
“Yes, a number of closed-door meetings have taken place since the Lokoja High Court judgment went viral. For instance, Obi, Senator Dickson, the party chairman, the secretary and other executives were in yesterday’s meeting.
“Even as we speak, there is another emergency meeting ongoing ahead of tomorrow’s appeal.
Confirming the development, the National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Enekweizu, said the appeal would be formally filed on Monday, although he declined to disclose the identity of the lead counsel.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate at this time for us to announce who our legal team leader will be. By the time we file our processes on Monday, you will know those who are in the team and who the leader is,” he said.
Enekweizu described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and lacking any sound legal foundation, expressing confidence that the appellate court would overturn it.
“This is the worst thing that can happen in the judiciary. That ruling has no legal basis. There is no precedent in law that can justify it.
“So, obviously, we see it as part of attempts by the powers that be to further shrink the democratic process in Nigeria.
“I can assure you that it will not happen. Our candidates will definitely participate in the forthcoming elections,” he stated.
He further emphasised that the party remains committed to exhausting all legal avenues, noting that the Federal High Court is not the final arbiter in the judicial hierarchy.
“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. The court that delivered the ruling is not the highest court in the land. We will see our appeal process through to its logical conclusion”
“I can assure you that all our candidates, from the presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, to candidates contesting at the House of Assembly level, will be on the ballot,” he added.
Kwankwaso made this known after a courtesy visit to Seriake Dickson at his residence in Abuja on Sunday, describing the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen party unity and readiness ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of our party, the NDC, His Excellency Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja.
The former Kano State governor maintained that the party remains firmly rooted in democratic ideals and expressed unwavering confidence in the judicial process.
“As true democrats, we remain committed to the rule of law and have absolute confidence in the judicial process.
“No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people,” Kwankwaso said.
He also urged party members and supporters across the country to remain calm and focused despite the unfolding legal battle.
“I urge all party members, supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to stay calm, resolute and focused on our shared mission. Together, we will rise above every challenge,” he added.
In its ruling, the Federal High Court held that its earlier judgment recognising the NDC was delivered without hearing all interested parties, particularly the Peace Movement Party, which laid claim to ownership of the disputed party logo.
The court subsequently ordered a fresh hearing of the substantive suit, effectively restoring all parties to their positions prior to the December 10, 2025 judgment that had validated the NDC’s registration.
The NDC has, in recent months, emerged as a significant opposition platform, bolstered by the defection of several high-profile politicians, including Kwankwaso and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Political analysts say the outcome of the legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Also speaking on the development, the National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, said the party had anticipated both legal and political challenges and remains optimistic about a favourable outcome at the appellate court.
According to him, the party’s leadership is confident that the judiciary will uphold justice and protect democratic principles.
He reiterated that the NDC remains committed to providing a credible alternative platform for Nigerians and will not be deterred by temporary setbacks.
