Obi, Kwankwaso lead NDC’s battle against deregistration
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has concluded extensive strategy meetings involving its presidential candidate, Peter Obi; national leader, Seriake Dickson; members of the National Working Committee, and other significant stakeholders in preparation for today's appeal against the court ruling that annulled its registration.
This development follows closely on the heels of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which overturned its previous decision mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC.
The ruling has escalated political tensions and has been met with criticism from opposition leaders who argue that the decision is intended to undermine opposition forces in the lead-up to the 2027 general election.
A senior party official, who requested anonymity due to a lack of authorization to speak publicly, revealed that the party leadership has been engaged in consecutive emergency meetings to finalize its legal strategy prior to approaching the Court of Appeal today.
He stated that Obi, Dickson, the party’s national chairman, national secretary, and other leadership members participated in a closed-door meeting on Saturday, followed by another emergency session on Sunday to refine their preparations for the appeal.
"Indeed, several closed-door meetings have occurred since the Kogi High Court ruling became widely known. For example, Obi, Senator Dickson, the party chairman, the secretary, and other executives were present at yesterday’s meeting.
"As we speak, another emergency meeting is currently in progress in anticipation of tomorrow’s appeal.
"However, we are still unaware of who will lead the legal team. What I can confirm is that the NDC National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, will play a significant role in it," the source stated.
The National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Enekweizu, confirmed to our correspondent during a recent press briefing that the appeal is set to be filed on Monday.
Enekweizu, however, declined to disclose the identity of the counsel that would lead the legal battle.
He said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate at this time for us to announce who our legal team leader will be. By the time we file our processes on Monday, you will know those who are in the team and who the leader is. I don’t know if that answers your question.”
The lawyer described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and lacking any legal foundation, insisting that the party remained convinced it would secure victory on appeal.
“This is the worst thing that can happen in judiciary. That ruling has no legal basis. There is no precedent in law that can justify it.
“So, obviously, we see it as part of the attempts by the powers that be to further shrink the democratic process in Nigeria.
“I’m sure we are aware that recently, some parties, by virtue of a judicial ruling, were ordered to be deregistered.
“What they were attempting to do was to ensure that we do not take part in the democratic process that is still ongoing. But I can assure you that it will not happen. Our candidates will definitely participate in the forthcoming elections.
“Of course, we have a strong conviction that the judiciary is still the last hope of the common man in Nigeria. The court that delivered the ruling is not the highest court and it’s not the last court in the land. We’ll see our appeal process through to its ultimate end.
“I can assure you that all our candidates, from presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, his running mate and all our candidates up to the House of Assembly level, will all be on the ballot,” he stated.
The former Kano State governor disclosed the visit in a post on his verified Facebook page, saying the meeting formed part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of our party, the NDC, His Excellency Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja,” Kwankwaso wrote.
“The engagement forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s unity, resilience and strategic readiness as we prepare for the 2027 general elections.”
He expressed confidence that the party would overcome its current legal challenges, insisting that its members remained committed to democratic principles and the rule of law.
“As true democrats, we remain committed to the rule of law and have absolute confidence in the judicial process,” he said.
“No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
Kwankwaso also appealed to members and supporters of the party not to be discouraged by the recent developments.
“I urge all party members, supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to stay calm, resolute and focused on our shared mission. Together, we will rise above every challenge,” he added.
“Nigeria will be OK.”
The meeting occurred just two days after the Federal High Court in Lokoja annulled its previous ruling that mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party, and called for a new hearing of the main case.
The court determined that the prior judgment was issued without considering all parties whose interests were impacted, especially the Peace Movement Party, which asserted ownership of the contested party logo.
This ruling effectively reinstated all parties to their positions prior to the December 10, 2025 judgment that acknowledged the NDC, although INEC has indicated it is waiting for the Certified True Copy of the judgment before proceeding with any further actions.
Recently, the NDC has emerged as a significant opposition force following the defection of several notable politicians, including Kwankwaso and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
Additionally, the National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, stated that the party had foreseen both legal and political obstacles and expressed confidence that the appellate court would reverse the ruling.
He said, “As the main opposition party today, we have always anticipated what they could throw at us. We are not fools not to have been thinking in that direction.
“But obviously, as it has been exposed, within the ambit of the law, because I am not a lawyer, apparently, by what they have done, they could barely find anything legitimate to throw at us.
“And just because some people just have to get paid and show that they are working, that is why they did what they have done.
“From the time that breaking news came, our legal team is working with an assurance that this is an abuse to the judicial system of this country.
“We are pleading that the judicial players should not drive this country into the mud. We still believe that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
“This is just an attempt to see whether we will shake. There is no shaking because we are stronger.”
Another senior party official, who preferred not to be mentioned, disclosed that beyond the legal challenge, the NDC had activated an extensive public engagement strategy involving civil society organisations, professional bodies and media organisations to rally support for its position.
“Presently, the party has activated and structured a move to start engaging civil societies and media engagements as part of its defence and future campaigns.
“In the days to come, there will be series of press conferences and parley with CSOs and pressure groups,” the source said.
Dickson rallies members
In the meantime, Dickson urged the party's candidates, including its presidential nominee, Peter Obi, his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other aspirants, to remain loyal to the party despite the recent Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja.
Dickson made this appeal during the Sunday edition of Channels Television's Politics Today, responding to reports suggesting that some candidates were contemplating leaving the party due to the judgment.
Addressing concerns that the ruling had unsettled certain candidates, Dickson dismissed these speculations and reassured members that the party remains on track.
He stated, "This type of kangaroo situation is designed to create uncertainty. However, I want to assure all members that this is not the information we have. Our candidates are resolute and have already been confirmed as our party's candidates.
"They are aware of the measures the party is implementing. Soon, they will be uploaded onto the INEC portal. They will participate in the elections and appear on the ballot. Therefore, there is no cause for alarm. There is nothing to fear.
"I must emphasize that such maneuvers are meant to distract us. They aim to undermine our confidence. However, for those of us accustomed to these challenges, we anticipate even more, as anyone who has spent time in this environment must learn to handle the pressure.
"Thus, I assure all our candidates and members that the NDC will be on the ballot. All our candidates will appear on the ballot. The NDC has not been deregistered and will not be deregistered. The laws of this nation will prevail, and justice will take its course. Therefore
