NDC legal team studying court ruling voiding party registration — Obi’s aide

The media aide to Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Idris Zekeri Jnr, on Friday said the party’s legal team was studying the Federal High Court ruling that set aside the judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party.

Zekeri, in a statement issued in Abuja, appealed to supporters to remain calm, saying the party was reviewing the judgment and would pursue legal remedies.

He said the party had been inundated with enquiries following what he described as the “bizarre” ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State.

“We have received the news of today’s bizarre ruling from the court in Lokoja regarding the legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

“While our legal teams are thoroughly reviewing the judgment to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures, our Principal urges all our supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to remain absolutely calm and focused,” he said.

Zekeri said the party had anticipated resistance in its efforts to challenge the country’s political establishment, describing the ruling as a temporary setback rather than the end of its political ambition.

“Today’s ruling is a hurdle, not a stop sign. Our commitment to providing a transparent, legitimate, and formidable alternative for Nigerians remains unshakeable. The platform we are building is robust, and our legal rights will be vigorously pursued. Do not be discouraged; the vehicle may face a temporary breakdown, but our destination remains non-negotiable.”

The statement followed Friday’s ruling by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, setting aside the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment directing INEC to register the NDC.

The judge held that the earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo relied upon in obtaining the registration order but was not joined as a party in the suit.

Counsel for the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, said the court ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the December 10, 2025 judgment and directed that all necessary parties be joined before the substantive suit is heard afresh.

He added that the ruling effectively nullified actions taken by INEC pursuant to the earlier judgment, including the recognition of the NDC, issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in the commission’s records and any appearance on ballot papers, pending the determination of the substantive suit.