The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has concluded a series of high-level strategy meetings ahead of Monday’s appeal against the Federal High Court ruling that triggered fresh controversy over NDC’s deregistration.
The emergency meetings, which involved the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, National Leader Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee and other senior officials, came barely two days after the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the party.
Party officials insisted the legal challenge would not stop the NDC from participating in the 2027 general election, maintaining that the judgment neither amounted to a final deregistration nor ended the party’s political activities.
Party finalises appeal strategy
A senior party official disclosed that the leadership had been holding back-to-back emergency meetings to prepare for the appeal before the Court of Appeal.
According to the source, Obi, Dickson, the party chairman, national secretary and other executives participated in Saturday’s meeting, while another session was held on Sunday to conclude preparations.
“Yes, a number of closed-door meetings have taken place since the Kogi High Court judgment went viral. For instance, Obi, Senator Dickson, the party chairman, the secretary and other executives were in yesterday’s meeting.
“Even as we speak, there is another emergency meeting ongoing ahead of tomorrow’s appeal.
“However, we are not privy yet to who will lead the legal team. What I only know is that the NDC National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, will play a key role in it,” the source said.
National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday but declined to reveal the identity of the lead counsel.
“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,” he said.
Enekweizu criticised the Lokoja ruling, describing it as unprecedented and insisting the party remained confident of overturning the judgment.
“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 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.”
Kwankwaso, Dickson express confidence
Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also expressed confidence that the legal challenge would not weaken the opposition party.
After meeting with Dickson in Abuja on Sunday, Kwankwaso said the visit formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening the party before the 2027 polls.
“Today, I paid a courtesy visit to the National Leader of our party, the NDC, His Excellency Seriake Dickson, at his residence in Abuja.
“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 urged members to remain calm despite the controversy surrounding NDC’s deregistration.
“As true democrats, we remain committed to the rule of law and have absolute confidence in the judicial process.
“No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
Kwankwaso further appealed to supporters not to lose hope.
“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.
“Nigeria will be OK.”
Dickson also dismissed reports suggesting that some candidates were considering abandoning the party.
“Our candidates are steadfast and they have already emerged as candidates of our party.
“They know the steps that the party is taking. And in no distant time, they will be uploaded on the INEC portal. They will go into the polls and be on the ballot.
“The NDC has not been deregistered and won’t be deregistered. The laws of this country will speak and justice will run its course.”
He added that the party would pursue legal remedies through the appellate courts rather than file a complaint against the trial judge.
“We have confidence in the Nigerian judicial system. Even when they err and make decisions that we disagree with, we have an opportunity to get other appellate courts to do what should be done.”
Lawyers differ on legal implications
Senior lawyers who spoke on the controversy agreed that the Court of Appeal would ultimately determine the fate of the case.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adedayo Adedeji said the ruling did not automatically disqualify the party or its candidates from contesting future elections.
“The setting aside of the ruling on NDC does not, in and of itself, disenfranchise any party or candidate. The Federal High Court is not the final court in this jurisdiction.
“Section 243 of the Constitution provides that every party adversely affected by a decision of the Federal High Court has an unqualified constitutional right to appeal.”
Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Itse Sagay, said the appellate court was expected to hear the matter quickly because of its national importance.
“The Court of Appeal will certainly arrange for the appeal to be heard speedily so that, if they succeed, their efforts will not be derailed,” Sagay stated.
He, however, cautioned that if the appeal failed, the consequences could affect the party’s participation in the 2027 elections.
Senior Advocate Adelola Adedipe offered a different legal interpretation, saying the latest judgment merely restored the parties to the positions they occupied before the earlier registration order.
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“It cannot be said that the court deregistered NDC. The status quo ante bellum was only restored to ensure a level playing field.
“Since proceedings are ongoing, the ballot status of NDC has not been effectually determined.”
Despite the legal uncertainty surrounding NDC’s deregistration, party leaders, support groups and legal advisers remain optimistic that the Court of Appeal will overturn the Lokoja ruling and allow the party to continue its preparations for the 2027 general election.
