Court Verdict, Other Issues, NDC May Kick The Bucket

By Inegbagha Majesty 

There are strong indications that the Nigeria Democratic Party may  'kick the bucket' owing to the ongoing mass defection and court cases confronting the party.

A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, nullified its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

 Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the initial registration was based on an incomplete and disputed process. 

The Nullification: On June 26, 2026, the court set aside its previous December 10, 2025, judgment which initially mandated INEC to recognize, register, and place the NDC on election ballots. 

The Reason for the Reversal: Justice Dashen ruled that the Peace Movement Party (PMP) was wrongfully excluded from the original suit. The PMP had presented evidence that the logo relied upon by the NDC to obtain registration originally belonged to PMP. 

Current Status of the NDC: Due to the omission of necessary parties in the initial litigation, the court declared the entire registration process null and void. Consequently, the INEC registration, recognition, and certification of the NDC have been set aside.

Next Steps: The dispute has been sent back for a fresh hearing. All involved parties—INEC, PMP, and NDC—are expected to face a new trial to determine the legality of the party’s registration.

However, reacting in a statement on Friday, the National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Zuwoghe, said the party was surprised by the ruling.

Mr Zuwoghe recalled that the NDC was registered after the party filed a lawsuit against INEC before the Federal High Court in Kogi in December 2025, adding that the party has since moved on from that phase.

“Since then, we have started political activities, embarked on the registration of members, held congresses from ward to national levels, held conventions, and concluded primaries to all offices following INEC’s timetable.

“We have been fully participating in all INEC activities without let or hindrance. NDC also fielded candidates, and fully participated, in the just-concluded bye elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states,” he said, adding that the NDC candidates for various elective offices had been nominated.

The national chairman argued that the PMP, which filed the application, was unknown to the NDC because they (PMP) “are not a registered political party in Nigeria.”

“It is important to note that they (PMP) are not an association applying for registration now under the exercise that started last year.

“Furthermore, the court, having delivered a final judgement in our suit against INEC, had become functus officio,” he said.

The official contended that the court had addressed all related issues concerning associations seeking to use the same symbol and colours, and had even overruled INEC when those issues were raised, which were not challenged.

“Therefore, we are surprised that, on an application by an association claiming that it wanted to register as a political party with the victory sign in 2015; an association that is not a registered political party and is not seeking registration now to participate in the current political process, His Lordship came to the conclusion that they have locus standi, and furthermore, that he has jurisdiction to do what he did,” he said.

‘We’re appealing the ruling’ Mr Zuwoghe expressed the NDC’s intention to appeal the ruling, insisting that there was no order directing the party’s deregistration.

“We are dissatisfied with the decision that has been made, and we have instructed our team of lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of His Lordship’s order.

“We assure the general public, and particularly our candidates at all levels, that our party is on course,” he said

“The NDC has not been deregistered, and we are challenging today’s order at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible. We have no doubt that justice will be done.”

But Mr Zuwoghe said it is too late for anyone to attempt to use the judiciary to derail or narrow Nigeria’s multi-party democratic space.

“If the said association (Peace Movement Party) were a party affected by the judgement on our initial suit, the only option open to it was to appeal the verdict, an option which it did not take.

“Even at that, the window open for such appeal has since closed, and any such appeal by now has become statute-barred.

“To now try to upturn that verdict through the back door, via a motion, is not only unheard-of, but also illegal and an outright abuse of the court process,” he stated.

The national chairman assured all supporters and members of the NDC that the party would work hard to protect the party and its candidates.

“We assure them that all nominations made remain valid, that our platform is strong and legal, and that justice will be served,” he stated.

The Party undoubtedly is facing challenges that may finally lead to extinction.

Just, yesterday, Friday 26th June, 2026 the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bayelsa State has lost key members of the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC)@@@@¹1

The members, who announced their defection  said they were deceived and mistreated by their former party.

The defectors led by the winner of the party’s House of Assembly primary for Sagbama Constituency II, Deacon Felix Wilson in Senator Seriake Dickson Local Government Area, were received by the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe.

Deacon Wilson said the move was driven by irreconcilable challenges within the NDC after his name was removed and replaced with that of Michael Magbisa, whom he defeated in the primary election. 

He declared his allegiance to the APC, which he said is a party of “progress.”

“I am a candidate for Sagbama Constituency Two under NDC. I want people of my constituency in particular to know that NDC is a good party, I would not have returned to my former party and family. Now I am in APC, which is a party of progress, and I am in the progressive party,” he said.

Wilson stated that he joined the APC with all his supporters that have been with him for several years. 

He expressed delight that the APC received him and his team with open and good heart, and pledged his commitment to the party’s growth and electoral success. 

Also, another defector, Mr. Saheed Umar, who was NDC Vice Chairman in Ogbia Local Government Area, declared his exit from the party and pledged loyalty to the APC. 

According to him, “as a progressive youth, I chose to align with the ruling party and embrace the winning team. I am here to serve in APC.”

Receiving the defectors, who all were waving the APC broom symbol, the Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, welcomed them into the party and urged them to work for its unity and growth as well as the development of the state and consolidation of the Prosperity Administration.

The other defectors were Victor Egba, NDC Ogbia Constituency 1 aspirant, Gilbert Alawei, Agidi George, Azibola Oru, Solomon Etor, Fineman Eseimokumo and Munteuma Clifford.