Obi, Kwankwaso lead NDC appeal against court ruling on party registration

Opposition leaders Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have launched a legal challenge against a Federal High Court ruling that set aside the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as the party moves to protect its political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s leadership concluded an emergency strategy meeting in Abuja over the weekend and is expected to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal on Monday, June 29, seeking to overturn the Lokoja court’s decision.

The legal battle follows Friday’s ruling by Justice Isah Dashen, who vacated an earlier judgment delivered on December 10, 2025, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.

The court’s decision arose from an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), an unregistered political association, which claimed ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC. Justice Dashen held that the PMP was not joined in the original suit, thereby denying it a fair hearing, and ordered that all parties return to their positions before the 2025 judgment pending a fresh hearing.

In response, Obi, Kwankwaso, Senator Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee and other party leaders held a series of closed-door meetings to coordinate the party’s legal response. Sources within the party said National Legal Adviser Reuben Egwuaba is leading the preparation of the appeal.

Despite the ruling, NDC officials insist the party has not been deregistered. National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe described the judgment as a procedural setback rather than the dissolution of the party, maintaining that the case had merely been returned for a fresh hearing.

National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu also dismissed claims that the NDC had ceased to exist, urging members to remain calm and continue preparations for scheduled ward, state and national congresses.

Party leaders argue that the court ruling was based on procedural issues relating to the logo dispute and not on any failure by the party to meet registration requirements. They expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the decision.

The NDC leadership also urged supporters across the country to remain peaceful while the legal process runs its course, reaffirming its commitment to participating in the 2027 elections.

The outcome of the appeal is expected to determine whether the opposition coalition led by Obi and Kwankwaso can continue operating under the NDC platform as preparations for the next general election gather pace.