NDC Lawmakers Reject Court's Deregistration Order

Lawmakers from the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) have rejected a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that aimed to deregister the party. Hon.

Victor Afam Ogen, the caucus leader, described the court's order as a judicial coup against democracy, asserting that it represents a calculated pattern of judicial harassment against political opponents. Ogen emphasized that the ruling was an error and that no court has the authority to extinguish a political party through judicial shortcuts.

He noted that the statutory window to challenge the party's registration had closed, and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not contested the matter. The NDC plans to pursue all available legal remedies, including appealing to the Supreme Court, to ensure the party's registration is upheld.

Ogen criticized the timing of the ruling, suggesting it was designed to undermine the NDC's participation in the upcoming 2027 elections, and called for party members to remain calm and resolute.