The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has insisted it has not been deregistered, despite a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that set aside an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NDC expressed surprise over the decision, arguing that the court overturned its December 2025 judgment following an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which it described as an unregistered association unknown to the party.
The NDC said that after the December 2025 judgment, INEC officially registered the party, allowing it to commence political activities, recruit members, conduct ward, state and national congresses, hold conventions, and conclude primary elections in line with the electoral timetable.
The party added that it had already participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states and had nominated candidates for various elective positions, including the presidency and vice presidency.
According to the NDC, the Federal High Court had become *functus officio* after delivering its final judgment and had already resolved issues relating to the party’s logo and colours. It also argued that the PMP, which claimed ownership of the victory sign used by the NDC, is neither a registered political party nor part of the current registration process.
The party maintained that the latest ruling did not expressly order its deregistration, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters.
It disclosed that its legal team had been directed to immediately challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, questioning both the court’s jurisdiction and the basis for the decision.
“We assure the general public, especially our candidates at all levels, that our party remains on course. The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are appealing today’s ruling without delay,” the statement said.
The party further alleged that certain individuals were attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democratic space and weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier on Friday, Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside the December 2025 judgment that had compelled INEC to register the NDC.
The court held that the earlier decision affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC but was not joined in the original suit.
Counsel to the PMP, C.S. Ekeocha, said the ruling restored all parties to the position they occupied before the December 10, 2025 judgment, effectively reversing actions taken by INEC under that judgment, including the registration and recognition of the NDC, pending the final determination of the case.
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