The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has alleged that attempts are being made to use the judiciary to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections following a Federal High Court ruling setting aside the judgment that led to its registration.
The party made the allegation in a statement issued on Friday and shared on the party’s verified X handle after Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja reportedly granted an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), setting aside the court’s December 2025 judgment which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.
Reacting to the development, the NDC described the move as an effort to “shrink the democratic space and stifle opposition voices and alternatives,” insisting that Nigerians deserve a broad range of political choices ahead of the next general elections.
The party argued that the Peace Movement Party is not a registered political party and is not participating in the current political process, questioning its legal standing to seek the reversal of the earlier judgment.
According to the NDC, it has, since securing registration through the December 2025 court judgment, conducted membership registration nationwide, held congresses from the ward to the national level, organised its national convention, concluded primary elections and participated in recent bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states.
It also disclosed that it has nominated candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, and is in the process of submitting their names to INEC in line with the commission’s timetable.
While confirming that the Lokoja court set aside the judgment that compelled INEC to register the party, the NDC stressed that the ruling did not order its deregistration.
The party said it has instructed its legal team to immediately approach the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction of the trial court and the propriety of its decision.
“It is too late for anyone to attempt to use the judiciary to derail or narrow Nigeria’s multi-party democratic space,” the statement said, arguing that any party dissatisfied with the December 2025 judgment ought to have appealed the decision within the time prescribed by law rather than seeking to overturn it through a motion.
The NDC expressed confidence that the appellate court would overturn the ruling, assuring its members, candidates and supporters that the party remains legally recognised and that all nominations already conducted remain valid.