The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed a notice of appeal and a motion for a stay of execution following a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that set aside the earlier order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. The NDC maintains that it remains a legally recognised political party pending the outcome of the appeal.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has formally appealed the Federal High Court judgment that nullified its registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), filing both a notice of appeal and a motion for stay of execution. Party leaders insist the ruling does not amount to deregistration and say they remain committed to participating in the 2027 general elections.
According to the party, the appeal challenges the Lokoja Federal High Court’s decision, which set aside its earlier judgment compelling INEC to register the NDC as a political party.
The NDC argued that there was no order directing INEC to remove the party from its register and maintained that all activities carried out since its registration—including membership drives, congresses, conventions and candidate nominations—remain valid pending the determination of the appeal.
The court’s ruling followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it was affected by the earlier judgment because of issues relating to the party’s logo and was not joined in the original proceedings.
Following the ruling, the NDC reiterated that it remains a recognised political party while the appellate court considers the matter, assuring members and supporters that preparations for the 2027 elections will continue.
The party said it had instructed its legal team to pursue the appeal immediately and expressed confidence that the appellate court would overturn the ruling.
It also maintained that all candidates nominated on the party’s platform remain unaffected pending the outcome of the appeal and urged supporters to remain calm as the legal process unfolds.
The appeal adds another chapter to the legal dispute surrounding the NDC’s registration. Until the appellate court reaches a decision, the party says it will continue its political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections in accordance with the law.