The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, which purportedly ordered the deregistration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
The NDC disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday following the appellate court’s judgment.
According to the party, the Court of Appeal allowed its appeal challenging the Federal High Court judgment and consequently set aside the decision.
The party said the judgment was delivered by the presiding Justice, Mohammed Danjuma, and read by Justice Hassan.
Reacting to the ruling, the NDC commended the judiciary, particularly Justices Danjuma and Hassan, for what it described as upholding the integrity of the judicial system and protecting multiparty democratic participation.
The party said its establishment was aimed at expanding the frontiers of multiparty democracy in Nigeria, arguing that the earlier Federal High Court judgment had threatened its constitutional right to participate in political activities.
The NDC said the Court of Appeal ruling had restored its legal standing and upheld its right to participate in elections as a registered political party.
“Happily, today, by the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Nigerian democratic space has been protected, and the NDC’s right to participate in all political activities as a registered political party has been upheld,” the party said.
The party congratulated its members and candidates while thanking Nigerians for their prayers and support during the legal battle.
It said the Federal High Court judgment had generated calls and expressions of solidarity from Nigerians and party supporters.
“Today, our collective prayers have been answered. The NDC continues to exist. Our registration remains valid and subsisting, and we and all our candidates will participate in all elections in 2027 and beyond, by the grace of God,” the statement added.
The party consequently urged its members and candidates to shift their attention to preparations for the 2027 elections and its political campaigns.
The NDC also vowed to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, at the polls, while expressing confidence in its candidates and political platform.
“Everyone should now focus on the campaigns, prepare for the elections, and focus on the task ahead to face the APC and defeat them at the polls,” the party said.
The NDC further warned against what it described as attempts to influence or intimidate the judiciary, saying such measures would not deter the party.
“A resort to arm-twisting, inducing or intimidating the judiciary will not work. We remain confident in the strength of our message, the commitment of our members, the viability of our candidates, and the support of Nigerians,” it said.
The party said it looked forward to the forthcoming elections, expressing confidence that it would emerge victorious at the polls.
“The fight for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy continues and by the grace of God we will emerge victorious,” the NDC said.
