The Nigerian Democratic Congress on Monday confirmed that it had filed a notice of appeal against the Federal High Court judgment that set aside its registration, assuring members and supporters that the party remained legally recognised and would soon serve the Independent National Electoral Commission with the court processes.
- +Deregistration crisis: NDC files appeal, moves to serve INEC
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, saying the party’s legal team successfully filed the appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, saying the party’s legal team successfully filed the appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lokoja, Kogi State.
“Yes, we succeeded in filing the appeal today. We are going to serve INEC very soon. Our legal team was in Lokoja, Kogi State, today,” he said.
Director dismissed reports suggesting that the party had been deregistered, insisting there was no cause for alarm.
“We are not in panic mode. Our candidates need not fear. The NDC is a registered party. This is still reflected on the portal of INEC,” he stated.
He also faulted media reports on the court judgment, arguing that the suit merely challenged the party’s logo and not its existence as a political party.
“The narrative in the media is not even right. The group only challenged the use of our logo in court. That does not mean we are deregistered.
“That is why we are thanking our members, supporters and Nigerians for their understanding and solidarity,” he added.
The appeal follows days of emergency strategy meetings involving the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi; his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso; NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee and other key stakeholders.
A senior party official had earlier told The PUNCH that the leadership held marathon meetings over the weekend to fine-tune its legal strategy before approaching the Court of Appeal.
The development comes after the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its earlier judgment directing INEC to register the NDC, a decision the party has described as a legal setback it is determined to overturn.
The party has maintained that the judgment does not amount to its deregistration and has reassured its candidates and supporters that it remains a legally recognised political platform pending the outcome of the appeal.
