Obi, Sowore, PDP, ADC Spokesman Oppose Court Decision Nullifying NDC Registration

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and several opposition figures, including Peter Obi, Omoyele Sowore, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi and Atiku Abubakar’s media aide Paul Ibe, have criticised the Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that overturned the judgment leading to the party’s registration.

Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the court’s earlier judgment of December 10, 2025 affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined in the suit despite claiming ownership of the logo linked to the NDC’s registration.

Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, explained that the court ordered parties to return to the position they occupied before the December judgment and directed that all relevant parties be joined before the substantive issues are determined.

He said the implication was that INEC’s recognition and registration of the NDC should be reversed pending the final resolution of the case.

However, he clarified that the substantive suit is still before the court.

Reacting to the development, the NDC announced plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The party argued that the Federal High Court lacked the authority to reopen its final judgment, insisting the court had become functus officio.

The NDC also stated that it had already completed major political activities since securing registration, including congresses, a national convention, primaries and participation in bye-elections.

According to the party, candidates for legislative, governorship and presidential elections had already emerged.

The party insisted that the ruling did not amount to a deregistration order and vowed to continue legal efforts to protect its status.

Peter Obi described the judgment as dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy and warned against weakening public confidence in democratic institutions.

“Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility,” Obi stated.

Omoyele Sowore also condemned the ruling, describing it as an attack on political participation and opposition politics.

“I totally condemn this assault on democracy,” he said.

The PDP expressed concern over the consequences of the ruling, particularly for aspirants who had invested resources to contest elections under the NDC platform.

The opposition party urged the Federal Government to reduce political tension and support democratic stability.

ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi called on opposition parties to unite against what he described as growing threats to democratic competition.

“Divided, we are easy targets,” he warned.

Paul Ibe, spokesman to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, also said the ruling should encourage opposition parties to harmonise efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ruling has continued to spark reactions across the political space, with several opposition leaders insisting that the matter will be challenged through constitutional and legal processes.

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