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Peter Obi |
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed an appeal against a Federal High Court judgment that nullified its registration as a political party, while confirming that it has proceeded with submitting its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The party disclosed that it has already uploaded the name of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal, despite the ongoing legal battle over its status.
The development comes days after the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside an earlier judgment that directed INEC to register the NDC. The court ruled that the case should be heard afresh after finding that the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed to have an interest in the matter, was not joined in the original proceedings.
Reacting to the ruling, the NDC leadership said it had immediately filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution, arguing that the court's latest decision should not prevent the party from participating in the electoral process while the appeal is pending.
The party also revealed that it has served the appeal documents on INEC and expressed confidence that the commission has restored access to its candidate nomination portal. According to the NDC, the portal is currently being used to upload the details of its candidates for various elective offices ahead of the submission deadline.
In addition to Peter Obi's nomination, the party said the name of another key candidate has also been uploaded, while documentation for its vice-presidential candidate is finalised. It added that nominations for governorship, legislative, and other positions are continuing across the country.
The NDC urged its members and supporters to remain calm, insisting that the legal challenge would be resolved through the appellate courts. Party leaders expressed confidence that the appeal would overturn the judgment that voided its registration and reaffirmed their commitment to contesting the 2027 elections.
The party also acknowledged concerns raised by some aspirants following its primary elections, promising to strengthen internal reconciliation efforts and ensure all members remain united ahead of the campaigns.
Despite the legal uncertainty surrounding its registration, the NDC maintained that it remains focused on meeting INEC's electoral timetable and preparing for the next general election.
Source: Premium Times.