The Nigeria Democratic Congress on Friday vowed to challenge at the Court of Appeal the ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the party.
The party insisted it had not been deregistered and assured its members, candidates and supporters that its political activities would continue despite the court’s decision.
NDC National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, disclosed this in a statement posted on the party’s official Facebook page hours after Justice Isah Dashen nullified the December 10, 2025 judgment that compelled INEC to register the party.
Cleopas said the party was surprised by the ruling, arguing that the applicant, the Peace Movement Party, was neither a registered political party nor part of the current registration process.
He maintained that the trial court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment and questioned its jurisdiction to set aside the earlier decision through a motion.
“There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision that has been made, and we have instructed our team of lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of His Lordship’s order,” he said.
