• Party says lack of access code blocked candidate nominations
• Ondo chapter rejects FHC ruling, vows to pursue appeal
• HURIWA urges Tinubu to defend multiparty democracy
• Falana seeks reforms, rights protection before 2027 polls
• APC chieftain dismisses Obi’s 2027 exclusion claims

Fresh concerns were raised yesterday over Nigeria’s democratic space as the NDC accused INEC of frustrating its participation in the 2027 elections, prompting renewed warnings from rights advocates and opposition figures over the country’s electoral climate.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of denying it access to the candidate nomination portal for the 2027 general elections, a development the party said prevented it from completing the submission of its candidates’ particulars before a court ruling cast uncertainty over its legal status.

The allegation comes amid an escalating dispute between the party and the electoral commission following a Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that set aside an earlier order directing INEC to register the NDC as a political party.

The court on Friday vacated its December 10, 2025 judgment. In the ruling delivered in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, Justice Isah Dashen held that the earlier judgment was delivered without hearing all necessary parties, rendering the proceedings constitutionally defective.

The decision followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it had a legal interest in the matter and ought to have been joined in the suit before judgment was delivered.

Meanwhile, the vice presidential candidate of the NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, yesterday met with the party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson.

Confirming the meeting in a post on his official Facebook page, Dickson said he and Kwankwaso discussed “issues of mutual interest concerning our party.”

He added that the party’s leadership had resolved to resist what it described as attempts to impose a one-party state.

“We reaffirmed our resolve to stand together in the fight for multi-party democracy, and I briefed him on the measures the party is taking to correct and redress the distractions occasioned by the anomalous ruling of the Federal High Court. We are on course,” Dickson said.

Speaking on the controversy, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, alleged that NDC officials approached INEC to obtain the official access code required to upload candidates’ information to the commission’s nomination portal but were unable to secure it.

According to him, commission officials told party representatives they would “get back” to them, a response he said left the NDC unable to complete the mandatory online nomination process before the court decided on the party’s registration status.

The development has added another layer of controversy to the legal dispute surrounding the party, which insists it remains a lawful political platform pending the determination of its appeal against the Lokoja judgment.

The NDC argued that denying it access to the nomination portal effectively undermined its constitutional right to participate in the electoral process and could disenfranchise both its candidates and supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The controversy is particularly significant because INEC had earlier announced that official access codes for the Candidate Nomination Portal would be issued to political parties to enable designated officers to upload the names and particulars of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, had said the access codes would allow political parties to submit candidates’ information electronically within the timelines stipulated in the electoral calendar.

The NDC’s complaint came barely days after the party vowed to challenge the Lokoja court ruling that nullified an earlier judgment directing its registration by INEC. Party leaders have maintained that, since obtaining registration, the NDC has conducted congresses, held conventions, participated in electoral activities and nominated candidates in line with INEC guidelines.

The party’s latest allegation is expected to intensify scrutiny of INEC’s handling of the matter, particularly as stakeholders monitor the implications of the legal dispute for political participation and electoral competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not publicly responded to the NDC’s specific allegation that it was denied the access code required to complete the nomination process. The commission, however, has consistently maintained that access to its nomination portal is governed by established legal and administrative requirements.

Ondo NDC chapter decries ruling, alleges bid to shrink democratic space
ALSO, the Ondo State chapter of the NDC rejected the Federal High Court ruling.

In a statement, the chairman, Kennedy Peretei, maintained that the trial court became functus officio after delivering its final judgment in December 2025, having exhausted its judicial authority over the matter.

Peretei argued that the earlier judgment had conclusively resolved all issues relating to the party’s name, logo and colours, adding that no appeal was filed against the decision within the statutory period.

According to him, the NDC has operated lawfully since its registration in line with the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines, registering members nationwide, conducting ward, local government and state congresses, and holding a successful national convention.

He added that the party had conducted primary elections, participated in INEC activities, including the recent by-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states, and nominated candidates for all elective offices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Peretei said the party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, National Chairman and the National Working Committee had directed members to remain calm, assuring candidates and supporters that the party remained operational and that all nominations already made would remain valid pending the determination of its appeal.

He expressed confidence that the appellate court would overturn the ruling, while condemning what he described as attempts to use the judicial process to frustrate legitimate political alternatives.

Peretei further maintained that any party dissatisfied with the December 2025 judgment ought to have filed an appeal within the prescribed period rather than seek to overturn a final judgment through a motion.

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

HURIWA raises concerns over court ruling, urges Tinubu to defend democracy
REACTING, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expressed concern over the judgment, warning that the development could undermine democratic institutions and opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The association said the judgment had generated widespread apprehension among democratic stakeholders, civil society organisations and Nigerians, adding that although it respects the authority of the courts and the constitutional right of litigants to seek judicial remedies, the circumstances surrounding the ruling had raised troubling questions about the sanctity of judicial decisions and the stability of the country’s democratic institutions.

HURIWA said the controversy surrounding the NDC had gone beyond a legal dispute and evolved into a national democratic concern because of its implications for political inclusion, electoral competition and citizens’ constitutional rights to freely associate and participate in governance.

The group also expressed concern over what it described as the growing perception that opposition politics is coming under coordinated pressure ahead of the 2027 polls, stressing that whether such fears are justified or not, state institutions have a responsibility to act transparently, independently and in line with constitutional principles to sustain public confidence.

According to the association, democracy flourishes when political competition is encouraged, citizens have multiple choices at the ballot box and public institutions remain neutral arbiters in political disputes.

It warned that any perception that judicial processes are being used for political purposes poses a serious threat to constitutional democracy, adding that democratic institutions are weakened not only by overt authoritarianism but also by gradual encroachments on political freedoms and institutional independence.

HURIWA also lamented that the country’s political discourse is increasingly dominated by controversies that create the impression that democratic institutions are being used to restrict, rather than expand, political participation at a time of economic hardship, worsening insecurity, rising unemployment and declining public trust in governance.

The group called on President Bola Tinubu to publicly reaffirm his commitment to multiparty democracy, political inclusion and free electoral competition.

Its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said: “A government that enjoys the confidence of the people should have no reason to fear opposition parties, dissenting voices or alternative political movements.

“We also call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain strict neutrality and ensure that its actions are guided solely by the Constitution and relevant electoral laws. The Commission must resist any pressure, direct or indirect, capable of undermining public confidence in its independence.

“Furthermore, we urge the National Judicial Council to continue strengthening mechanisms that promote judicial accountability, transparency and public trust. The integrity of the judiciary must never be allowed to become a casualty of partisan political contests.

“We equally call on political parties, civil society groups, youth organisations, professional associations and democratic activists to remain vigilant and committed to peaceful, lawful and constitutional engagement in defence of democratic principles. The struggle to preserve democracy is not the responsibility of politicians alone. It is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.”

Falana urges reforms, rights protection ahead of 2027 elections
RELATEDLY, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, called on authorities at all levels to prioritise security, good governance and the protection of human rights as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

He said the forthcoming polls must go beyond producing political leaders and instead mark a renewed commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

Falana made the call in a paper titled ‘2027: Building a Nation Where No Man Is Oppressed,’ delivered at an event held in honour of the late Alao Aka-Bashorun, a prominent advocate of constitutionalism and civil liberties.

He said: “As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the country stands at a defining constitutional and democratic moment. The challenge extends far beyond elections; it is about building a democratic order founded on justice, accountability and institutions that serve the people.”

Falana stressed that the protection of human rights remains central to Nigeria’s democratic future, noting that civil liberties, socio-economic rights and access to justice are essential to national development.

“A nation’s progress cannot be measured solely by economic indicators, but by the extent to which it safeguards the dignity, freedoms and rights of its citizens,” he said.

He identified insecurity as the country’s most pressing challenge, describing it as both a constitutional and human rights issue. According to him, no democratic society can thrive under the constant threat of kidnapping, terrorism, communal clashes and other forms of violence.

“The protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government,” he said, warning that insecurity undermines economic growth, social stability and national unity.

Falana also decried what he described as political oppression, including the manipulation of public institutions, electoral irregularities and the shrinking democratic space.

He noted that electoral malpractice, vote-buying and abuse of incumbency continue to erode public confidence in the democratic process.

“A democracy where citizens lose faith in elections creates fertile ground for oppression, as leaders become more accountable to vested interests than to the people,” he said.

The senior advocate also highlighted economic hardship as a widespread form of oppression, citing rising food prices, unemployment, poverty and inequality.

He said millions of Nigerians remain deprived despite the country’s vast resources, attributing the situation to governance failures and the unequal distribution of opportunities.

Falana also raised concerns over limited access to healthcare, education and housing, as well as the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, including women, youths and persons with disabilities.

He called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen institutions, ensure accountability and expand inclusive participation in governance.

“Oppression thrives where institutions fail. Nigeria must dismantle the structures that sustain political, economic and social injustice to build a society founded on equality and human dignity,” he said.

Falana urged citizens to use legal frameworks such as the Freedom of Information Act to demand transparency, insisting that democratic governance must be anchored on accountability and respect for the rule of law.

No evidence of plot against Obi’s 2027 bid, says APC chieftain
THIS came as a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the South-East, Dr George Agbakahi, dismissed allegations by the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that there are plans to stop him from contesting the 2027 presidential election, describing the claims as baseless, unfortunate and politically motivated.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Agbakahi said allegations of executive interference in the electoral process should be supported with credible and verifiable evidence rather than speculation or political rhetoric.

Reacting to Obi’s claim that there were plots to block his presidential ambition, Agbakahi said there was no publicly available evidence linking the Federal Government or the Presidency to any scheme aimed at preventing any qualified opposition figure from participating in the 2027 election.

According to him, the legal issues surrounding the registration status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress are matters currently before the courts and arose from disputes involving political parties rather than actions initiated by the Federal Government.

He maintained that Nigeria’s constitutional framework guarantees the independence of the judiciary and provides avenues for litigants dissatisfied with court decisions to seek redress through the appellate process.

Agbakahi also emphasised the autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission, noting that the commission is constitutionally empowered to regulate political parties and conduct elections without interference.

He added that all political parties are expected to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements, stressing that legal and regulatory scrutiny of political organisations is a normal feature of democratic governance and should not automatically be interpreted as political persecution.