NDC Condemns Court Ruling as Judicial Coup Against Democracy

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed strong opposition to a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which ordered the deregistration of the party. NDC's House of Representatives Caucus leader, Hon. Victor Afam Ogen, described the ruling as a "judicial coup against democracy." The court set aside an earlier judgment from December 10, 2025, which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.

Ogen stated that the judgment was reached without the party being heard, violating legal principles. He emphasized that the ruling is part of a broader pattern of judicial harassment against political opponents in Nigeria.

The NDC plans to appeal the decision, asserting that no court can extinguish a political party and that they will pursue all legal remedies to ensure their registration. The ruling comes at a critical time as the electoral process for the 2027 elections is underway, and Ogen criticized the ruling as an attempt to stifle opposition.