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NDC SCORES LEGAL VICTORY, APPEAL COURT OVERTURNS HIGH COURT NULLIFICATION OF REGISTRATION

September 19, 2026 • Dons Eze • 2 min read

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that had nullified an earlier decision recognising the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a registered political party.

The development was announced on Friday by the NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, through a statement shared on his Facebook page.

According to him, the appellate court’s ruling has restored the party’s legal status and cleared the way for it and its candidates to participate in the 2027 elections.

The legal dispute followed a June 26, 2026, ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen.

The court had set aside an earlier judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and register the NDC.

The case arose from an application by the Peace Movement Party, which maintained that its interests had been affected by the earlier proceedings.

However, the Court of Appeal, in a judgment delivered on Friday, allowed the NDC’s appeal and set aside the Lokoja Federal High Court decision.

Dickson identified Justice Mohammed Danjuma as the presiding justice, while Justice Hassan read the judgment.

He commended the judiciary, particularly the appellate court judges, saying their decision had strengthened multiparty democracy and protected the NDC’s constitutional right to participate in political activities.

He also congratulated the party’s members and candidates, noting that the ruling had brought relief after weeks of legal uncertainty.

Dickson declared that the NDC’s registration remained valid and that the party would participate in the 2027 elections and beyond.

He subsequently urged members to concentrate on preparations for the polls, including campaigns and mobilisation.

The NDC leader also cautioned against any attempt to influence or intimidate the judiciary, expressing confidence in the party’s candidates, membership and political message.

He said the party would continue advocating for a broader multiparty democratic system in Nigeria.

Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.