In the latest ruling, Justice Dashen held that the earlier judgment adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which had claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC in securing the registration order but was not joined as a party in the suit
KaNo —
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi,has strongly criticised a Federal High Court ruling that set aside an earlier judgment compelling the registration of the party.
He described the ruling as a setback for Nigeria’s democracy and a potential threat to the country’s political space ahead of the 2027 general election.
The controversy followed Friday’s decision by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, which nullified the court’s earlier judgment delivered on December 10, 2025.
That judgment had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
In the latest ruling, Justice Dashen held that the earlier judgment adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which had claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC in securing the registration order but was not joined as a party in the suit.
Counsel to the applicant,C.S. Ekeocha, explained that the court directed all parties to revert to the position they occupied before the December 10 judgment.
He added that the ruling effectively reversed all actions taken pursuant to the earlier order, including INEC’s recognition of the NDC and the issuance of its certificate of registration, pending a fresh hearing of the substantive suit with all necessary parties properly joined.
Despite the implications of the judgment, the NDC leadership has insisted that the party has not been deregistered and that its activities would continue uninterrupted.
In a statement shared on the party’s official social media platforms, Cleopas argued that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to set aside its own final judgment, having become functus officio after delivering its decision.
“There was no order directing our deregistration,” Cleopas said.
“However, we are dissatisfied with the decision that has been made, and we have instructed our lawyers to proceed immediately to the Court of Appeal to challenge both the jurisdiction and propriety of the court’s order.”he added
He further questioned the legal standing of the Peace Movement Party, insisting that it was neither a registered political party nor a participant in the original registration process.
Cleopas also described the application that led to the ruling as an abuse of court process, maintaining that any aggrieved party should have appealed the original judgment rather than seek to overturn it through a motion.
While reassuring party members and candidates, he emphasised that preparations for the 2027 elections would continue as planned.
“We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party remains on course. The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are confident that justice will be served at the appellate level,” he said.
“We condemn efforts by those seeking to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and stifle alternative political platforms. Nigerians deserve a full range of choices, and all parties should be allowed to participate freely in the democratic process,” he added.
The ruling has also drawn reactions from other opposition figures and political movements, including factions within the Peoples Democratic Party, the Obidient Movement, and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, all of which expressed concern over what they described as a growing pattern of judicial actions targeting opposition parties.
Peter Obi, in a statement posted on his social media platforms, described the development as deeply troubling and indicative of broader institutional challenges facing the country.
“Every Nigerian committed to national progress should be concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends,” Obi said.
He accused certain political actors of undermining democratic institutions while publicly professing support for democratic values.
“It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they undermine public confidence and endanger the future of millions of Nigerians,” he stated.
“Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence. When the legislature and judiciary are drawn into patterns that weaken public trust, the entire system is put at risk,” he said.
Obi emphasised that his position was rooted in principle rather than political ambition, noting that he had previously condemned similar developments affecting other political parties.
“My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works. Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus on building a united nation grounded in justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity,” he added.
He called on Nigerians to defend democratic institutions and resist actions capable of eroding the country’s democratic foundations.
“The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation. All well-meaning Nigerians must rise above partisan interests to protect our democracy,” Obi urged.
Legal analysts say the case highlights the complexities surrounding party registration in Nigeria, particularly where issues of identity, symbols, and procedural fairness are involved.
They added that the requirement to include all interested parties in litigation is a fundamental principle of fair hearing, and failure to do so can render judgments vulnerable to being set aside.
However, they also caution that the manner in which such cases are handled can have far-reaching implications for political participation and public confidence in democratic institutions.
The unfolding legal battle is expected to move to the Court of Appeal in the coming days, where the NDC will seek to overturn the ruling and reaffirm its status as a registered political party.
As the 2027 general election approaches, the outcome of the case could significantly shape the political landscape, particularly for emerging parties seeking to challenge the ruling APC.
