NDC Finalises Appeal Against Court Ruling on Registration

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified preparations for a legal challenge against the recent Federal High Court ruling that set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, leading a series of strategic meetings ahead of Monday's (today) appeal.

The court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, had nullified its previous order recognising the NDC after ruling that parties affected by the dispute, particularly the Peace Movement Party which laid claim to the party's logo, were not heard before the initial judgment was delivered. The ruling has heightened political tension, with opposition figures describing it as a threat to Nigeria's democratic process.

A senior party official, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, disclosed that the leadership had held consecutive emergency meetings over the weekend to perfect its legal strategy before approaching the Court of Appeal.

"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 of the party, 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," Enekweizu said.

He described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and expressed confidence that the appellate court would overturn it.

"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.

"We see it as part of 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," he added.

Meanwhile, National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, reaffirmed his support for the party after a meeting with Senator Seriake Dickson in Abuja, insisting that the legal setback would not derail the NDC 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.

"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.

"No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people," Kwankwaso stated.

National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, maintained that the party had anticipated legal and political challenges and remained convinced the Court of Appeal would overturn the judgment.

"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.

"This is just an attempt to see whether we will shake. There is no shaking because we are stronger," Cleopas said.

Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, also appealed to party members and candidates not to be discouraged by the judgment, insisting the NDC remained a valid political platform.

Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Dickson dismissed reports that some candidates were considering leaving 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. 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 said.

On possible action against the trial judge, Dickson said the party would pursue legal remedies rather than petition the National Judicial Council.

"The judge has erred. We are not happy about it. But we have confidence in the Nigerian judicial system.

"Even when judges make decisions we disagree with, we have an opportunity to approach appellate courts. That is what the hierarchy of courts is all about," he added.

The appeal has also received support from the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement and the Obidient Movement, both expressing confidence that the ruling would be overturned and that the party's candidates would remain on the ballot for the 2027 general elections.

The Ondo State chapter of the NDC equally rejected the ruling, directing its legal team to challenge both the jurisdiction of the trial court and the substance of the judgment.

Senior lawyers who spoke to The PUNCH said the Court of Appeal remains the appropriate forum to determine the legality of the judgment.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adedayo Adedeji, said the ruling did not automatically bar the party or its candidates from contesting 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," he stated.

Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Itse Sagay, expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would hear the matter expeditiously because of its national political significance.

"The important thing is for them to appeal speedily. The higher court will consider the validity of that judgment.

"If, however, the Court of Appeal affirms the ruling of the High Court, that would mean they will not be able to contest in 2027," Sagay said.

Also commenting, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adelola Adedipe, explained that the latest judgment merely restored parties to their previous positions pending the determination of the substantive suit.

"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. The overriding consideration is that the political party remains unregistered," Adedipe stated.

The NDC is expected to file its appeal before the Court of Appeal on Monday as it seeks to overturn the Lokoja Federal High Court ruling and preserve its participation in the 2027 general elections.

Source: PUNCH

Tags: #Politics #PeterObi #2027Elections