Jun 27, 2026

No Deregistration Order" – NDC Fires Back in Fierce Registration Battle

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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In a developing political drama with significant implications for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has firmly rejected interpretations of a recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, Kogi State, as an order to deregister the party.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS, National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu clarified the judgment’s scope and vowed to appeal aspects of it.

“What the court ruled was that the matter should return for a full trial,” Enekweizu stated.

“While we disagree with parts of the judgment, we maintain that the court did not issue any order directing the deregistration of the NDC.

Until such an order is made, the NDC remains a registered political party and will continue to carry out its lawful functions.”

The controversy stems from an earlier court decision that had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.

The party had long accused INEC of arbitrarily refusing registration despite meeting requirements, reportedly over concerns about logo similarities with other parties.

The recent Lokoja ruling set aside that earlier judgment, citing procedural issues — specifically, the failure to join the Peace Movement Party (PMP) as a necessary party in the suit.

NDC leaders, including National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas, described the latest development as a temporary setback.

They plan to file an appeal on Monday, insisting the party’s registration status remains intact pending further judicial processes.

Enekweizu emphasized that the court treated the NDC as having been deemed registered by INEC from the date of application, underscoring INEC’s legal duty once requirements were fulfilled.

The NDC’s emergence has been closely watched because of its association with former Anambra Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Enekweizu hinted at broader political motivations behind challenges to the party, claiming some forces “don’t want Peter Obi on the ballot” in 2027 and are using legal technicalities to suppress opposition voices.

He warned that Nigerians would resist any form of tyranny aimed at limiting political choices.

The party’s resilience in the face of regulatory and legal hurdles reflects ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, where registration battles often serve as proxies for larger power struggles ahead of general elections.

Public reactions on X reflect a mix of support for the NDC’s fight and skepticism about its viability. Some users see it as part of a pattern of opposition suppression, while others urge calm and strategic legal action. One supporter posted an NDC-themed song to rally followers.

This episode highlights recurring issues with INEC’s registration processes, judicial interventions in political matters, and the high stakes of party formation in Nigeria’s polarized landscape.

For the NDC, the coming appeal will be critical in determining whether it can establish itself as a meaningful platform — potentially for high-profile figures like Obi — or fade amid legal obstacles.

As the 2027 political season heats up, the NDC’s battle is more than a procedural dispute; it touches on fundamental questions of freedom of association, electoral fairness, and the right of citizens to form or join parties of their choice.

The party’s determination to press on signals that this story is far from over.