The Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has rejected a recent ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, insisting that the party remains legally registered and fully operational despite the court’s decision.
This is contained in a brief made available to Daily Trust on Sunday in Akure by Kennedy Peretei, the State party Chairman
The NDC described the ruling as unacceptable and questioned the legal basis upon which the court entertained an application filed by the Peace Movement Party, which it claimed is neither a registered political party nor an association seeking registration.
The party recalled that it secured a Federal High Court judgment in December 2025 directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register the NDC after its constitutional right to freedom of association was upheld.
It noted that INEC complied with the judgment and that the party has since conducted congresses, held its national convention, participated in electoral activities and nominated candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The NDC maintained that while the court reportedly set aside its earlier judgment, it did not order the party’s deregistration. It said its legal team has been instructed to challenge the ruling before the Court of Appeal.
The party also reassured its members, supporters and candidates that all nominations already made remain valid pending the outcome of the appeal, expressing confidence that justice would prevail.
The NDC further condemned what it described as attempts to use the judicial process to undermine democratic participation and pledged its continued commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and credible political alternatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.