NDC Rejects Kogi Court Verdict on INEC Registration, Vows Appeal as Peter Obi Alleges Plot to Stop 2027 Presidential Bid
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, which nullified the party’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the ruling as legally flawed and announcing plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.
The development comes amid fresh allegations by the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who claimed that powerful interests within the Federal Government are working behind the scenes to stop him from appearing on the ballot for the 2027 presidential election.
The Federal High Court had earlier set aside its previous judgment that directed INEC to register the NDC as a political party. Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the earlier decision was constitutionally defective because not all parties with an interest in the matter, including the Peace Movement Party (PMP), were joined in the proceedings before the judgment was delivered. As a result, the court ordered that all actions taken pursuant to the earlier judgment be vacated, effectively returning the NDC to its pre-registration status pending fresh legal proceedings.
Reacting to the judgment, the NDC insisted that the decision does not mark the end of the legal battle. The party maintained that it remains confident in its case and vowed to pursue every available legal option to restore its registration.
Party officials argued that the judgment merely addressed procedural issues and did not determine the substantive merits of the NDC’s eligibility for registration. According to the party, its legal team has already begun the process of filing an appeal, expressing optimism that a higher court will overturn the ruling.
The court’s decision has significant political implications as it temporarily strips the NDC of its legal recognition, meaning it cannot sponsor candidates for elections unless the registration issue is resolved in its favour.
Amid the unfolding legal dispute, Peter Obi alleged that forces within the Federal Government are deliberately working to prevent him from contesting the 2027 presidential election. He suggested that the legal challenges confronting the NDC are part of a broader effort to weaken the opposition and restrict democratic competition.
Obi argued that Nigerians deserve a free and fair electoral process in which every qualified political party and candidate is allowed to participate without intimidation or interference. He maintained that despite the legal hurdles, he and his supporters would continue to pursue their political aspirations through lawful means.
The allegations have further intensified political debate ahead of the 2027 general election, although the Federal Government has not officially responded to Obi’s claims as of the time of filing this report.
Political observers believe the outcome of the appeal could have far-reaching consequences for the NDC and the wider political landscape. A successful appeal could restore the party’s legal status, while an unsuccessful one may compel the party to explore alternative political options before the elections.
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The case is expected to remain one of the major legal and political contests leading into the 2027 presidential race as stakeholders await the next phase of judicial proceedings.
