By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has appealed a Federal High Court judgment that voided its registration, while confirming that Peter Obi and the party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, have been uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) candidate portal. Dickson announced the development on Monday through his X page, saying the party filed both an appeal and a stay of execution to protect its participation in the 2027 general elections. He explained that the party is also complying with INEC’s timetable by submitting candidates for various elective offices.
NDC Challenges Lokoja Court Judgment
The appeal follows a recent judgment by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside its earlier December 10, 2025, ruling that had directed INEC to register the NDC as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen, who presided over suit FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, ruled that the earlier judgment was constitutionally defective because not all necessary parties participated in the proceedings.
The court reached its decision after the Peace Movement Party (PMP) argued that it had a legal interest in the case and should have been joined before the previous judgment.
The judge also held that the applicants failed to disclose material facts. Consequently, he ordered that the substantive suit should begin afresh with INEC, the PMP and the NDC joined as parties.
Dickson Confirms Appeal and Stay of Execution
Reacting to the ruling, Dickson said the party immediately approached the Court of Appeal.
According to him, the NDC filed an appeal alongside an application for a stay of execution and served all relevant documents on the INEC Chairman.
“Today, the NDC has filed an appeal against the ruling as well as a stay of execution/injunction, which has been served with a covering letter to the INEC chairman and his team to do what is right according to law and what is legally sensible,” Dickson said.
Peter Obi, Dickson Uploaded to INEC Portal
Dickson disclosed that INEC has already granted the party access to its candidate nomination portal.
He confirmed that his name and that of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have already been uploaded.
According to him, the vice-presidential candidate’s details will be uploaded after the completion of the required legal documentation.
“The process is also ongoing for other candidates,” he added.
NDC Says It Is Following INEC Timetable
Dickson stressed that the party remains fully compliant with the electoral timetable released by INEC.
He noted that the submission deadline for National Assembly candidates is July 11, while governorship and State House of Assembly candidates must be submitted by July 17.
“In accordance with the INEC timetable, which we have religiously abided by, we have between now and the 11th of next month to upload all National Assembly candidates, while those of governors and State Houses of Assembly will end on the 17th of July.”
He assured party members that there is sufficient time to complete the process.
“There is enough time for all candidates’ names to be submitted to INEC and there is no reason for anyone to panic,” he said.
Dickson Promises Reconciliation After Primaries
Dickson also addressed concerns over the party’s recently concluded primaries.
He admitted that the exercise was not perfect but said reconciliation efforts have already started across the party.
“The reconciliation processes have started and we expect them to reach everyone,” he said.
He added that every aspirant would remain part of the party’s campaign structure because they represent the grassroots strength of the NDC.
Call for Neutral Democratic Institutions
Dickson thanked Nigerians for their continued support and urged democratic institutions to remain impartial.
He specifically called on INEC, the judiciary and security agencies to protect the country’s democracy by performing their constitutional duties without bias.
He also expressed confidence that the judiciary would deliver justice after reviewing the party’s appeal.
“The ball is now in the court of the judiciary,” he said, adding that the courts would ultimately “do what is right under the law.
