Court Ruling Challenges Nigeria Democratic Congress Ahead of 2027

The Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, nullified the legal recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), prompting political controversy. Habibu Saleh Mai Lemo, spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, stated that the ruling was not surprising and accused Bola Tinubu's administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of employing various tactics to undermine political opponents.

He expressed confidence that an appeal would overturn the ruling, which he believes contradicts the rule of law. The court's decision, which set aside a previous judgment from December 10, 2025, compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC, and ruled that the Peace Movement Party (PMP) should have been included in the original suit.

The NDC's national chairman, Mose Cleopa Zuwoghe, announced plans to challenge the judgment legally. The ruling comes at a time when Nigeria's opposition parties are facing significant legal challenges as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.