Deregistration: Ondo NDC rejects Kogi court judgment

The Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has rejected a Federal High Court ruling setting aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the party, insisting that the NDC remains a valid political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said it would challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal, maintaining that no order had been made directing its deregistration.

The NDC stated this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Ondo State Chairman, Mr Kennedy Peretei.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, had reportedly set aside its earlier judgment that ordered INEC to register the NDC as a political party.

Reacting to the ruling, Peretei expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment delivered by Justice Isah Dashen.

He said, “We recall that in December 2025, following the refusal of the INEC to register NDC as a political party, it approached the Federal High Court, which upheld its constitutional right to freedom of association and ordered INEC to register the party.

“INEC complied fully with that judgment. Since its registration, the NDC has operated lawfully within the framework of the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines. The party has registered members nationwide, conducted ward, local government, state congresses and held its national convention, successfully.

“We conducted primary elections, and participated in all INEC activities, including the recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu States. We have also nominated candidates for all elective offices in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Our party maintains that the Peace Movement Party is neither a registered political party nor an association currently seeking registration under the ongoing exercise.

“We therefore question the legal basis upon which the court entertained its application to set aside a final judgment already delivered in favour of the NDC.”

Peretei argued that the trial court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment and had already determined issues relating to the party’s name, symbol and colours.

He added, “No appeal was filed against that judgment within the statutory period. While informed that the court has set aside its earlier judgment, the NDC emphasises that no order was made directing the deregistration of the party. Consequently, the party has instructed its legal team to immediately approach the Court of Appeal to challenge both the jurisdiction of the trial court and the propriety of the ruling.

“Our party as directed by the National Leader, His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriaki Dickson, the National Chairman and National Working Committee reassures its candidates, members and supporters that the party remains operational and that all nominations made remain valid pending the determination of the appeal.”

The Ondo NDC chairman also condemned what he described as attempts to use the courts to undermine democratic participation.

He said, “We maintain that if any party was dissatisfied with the original judgment, the proper legal remedy was to file an appeal within the prescribed period rather than seek to overturn a final judgment through a motion.”

Peretei reaffirmed the party’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the advancement of credible political alternatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.