The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday alleged that its rapid emergence as a major opposition force has unsettled the ruling party, describing the Federal High Court ruling that set aside its registration judgment as part of broader efforts to weaken opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing journalists at an emergency press briefing in Abuja, the National Chairman of the NDC insisted that the party remained a legally registered political party despite the court’s decision and had already instructed its lawyers to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

The chairman argued that the ruling, delivered by Justice Isa Dashen of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, was legally unsustainable and raised concerns about attempts to narrow Nigeria’s democratic space.

According to him, the application that led to the ruling was filed by the Peace Movement Party, an association that is not registered as a political party and was not a party to the original suit that secured the NDC’s registration in December 2025.

“We are dissatisfied with the ruling and have instructed our legal team to immediately file an appeal challenging both the jurisdiction of the court and the propriety of the order,” he said.

The NDC chairman maintained that the court merely set aside its earlier judgment but did not order the deregistration of the party.

He noted that since obtaining registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the party had conducted congresses nationwide, held its national convention, participated in INEC activities and fielded candidates in recent senatorial by-elections.

The party, he added, has completed its primary elections and is currently processing the submission of candidates for governorship, National Assembly and presidential elections in line with the electoral timetable.

Suggesting that the party’s growing influence may have triggered anxiety within the ruling establishment, the chairman said the NDC’s rapid rise had altered the political landscape within months of its registration.

“Within four months of registration, the NDC has emerged as a major opposition force. That naturally attracts political attention,” he stated.

Backing the party’s position, activist Aisha Yesufu said the controversy surrounding the NDC should concern all Nigerians, arguing that the judiciary must demonstrate its independence and remain the last hope of the common man.
Speaking during a televised discussion monitored in Abuja, Yesufu said the development reflected fears among those uncomfortable with the growing popularity of the opposition.

“What this does is that it tells people there are many who are afraid. It shows that the NDC and its candidates, especially the presidential candidate, represent something Nigerians want, and there are people doing everything they can to stop that,” she said.

According to her, rather than discourage opposition supporters, the court ruling would strengthen the determination of Nigerians seeking political change in 2027.

She urged party members and supporters to remain focused on grassroots mobilisation and voter engagement, insisting that Nigerians would ultimately decide the outcome of the election.

Also weighing in on the controversy, the Peter for Nigeria movement warned against any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, insisting that opposition candidates must be allowed to contest freely in 2027.

The movement’s leader, Peter Ahmeh, argued that democracy requires viable opposition parties and genuine electoral choices.

“Nigeria can never be a one-party state. In 2027, Nigerians must have options. Tinubu will not run alone. Peter Obi will be on the ballot, the NDC will be on the ballot, and every other qualified candidate will be on the ballot,” he said.

Ahmeh questioned the legal basis of the judgment that overturned the earlier order directing INEC to register the NDC, arguing that established judicial precedents discourage parties not directly involved in a matter from seeking to overturn court decisions through procedural applications.

He called on members of the judiciary to protect the integrity of the legal system and safeguard democratic principles.

The Peter for Nigeria movement also urged the ruling party to focus on defending its record in office rather than allegedly seeking to weaken opposition platforms, insisting that voters should determine the country’s future through a free and competitive electoral process.

Reaffirming support for opposition participation in the election, the movement maintained that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and other opposition figures must be allowed to contest freely.

The NDC chairman, however, expressed confidence that the appellate courts would overturn the ruling.

“The Federal High Court is not the final court in the land. We will pursue this matter through the appellate process and are confident that justice will prevail,” he said.

He assured supporters that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate and all NDC candidates would remain in the race.

“Our candidates will participate in the forthcoming elections. This is simply another attempt to intimidate us. There is no cause for panic. We remain firm, strong and committed to democracy,” he added.

The chairman disclosed that the party’s activities had not been affected by the ruling and revealed that he was scheduled to return to INEC immediately after the briefing to continue the process of uploading candidates for the 2027 elections.

He urged party members nationwide to remain calm and continue mobilising support, while calling on Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), reject vote-buying and actively participate in the electoral process.
The NDC reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all legal remedies while continuing preparations for the 2027 general elections.