The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as a political party.
The case followed an earlier Federal High Court judgement concerning the party’s registration, which was later set aside after the Peace Movement Party challenged the decision, arguing that it was not joined in the suit.
Justice Isah Dashen had ruled that all relevant parties must be heard before a substantive decision could be reached, prompting the NDC to appeal the ruling.
In its judgement on Friday, the Court of Appeal set aside the lower court’s decision, effectively upholding the NDC’s registration and its right to participate in political activities.
NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, welcomed the ruling, commending the judiciary for what he described as a protection of multiparty democratic participation.
Dickson also reaffirmed that the NDC remains a registered political party and said its candidates will participate in the 2027 elections and beyond.
