The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the recent order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, describing it as legally baseless and a deliberate attempt to undermine the party’s credibility and democratic progress.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party’s national leader, Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson, said he was “jolted” by the ruling delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, insisting that the order lacked legal merit and was aimed at shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space.
He argued that the ruling was anti-democratic and contrary to the principles of multi-party democracy, adding that the party would resist every attempt to weaken its operations through legal means.
According to him, the NDC has already assembled a team of lawyers to challenge the court order and seek its reversal, expressing confidence that the decision would not stand.
He urged party members, supporters and candidates across the country to remain calm and continue their political activities without fear, describing the development as the first major test of the party’s resolve.
“This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt. Even this shall pass, and the NDC and all our candidates shall cruise to victory,” he said.
The NDC leader questioned the legal standing of the group that instituted the case, describing it as an unregistered association with no exclusive rights to the disputed logo and no direct interest in the subject matter of the suit.
He noted that the association neither applied for registration during the 2025 political party registration exercise nor featured among the 171 associations that submitted applications or the 21 shortlisted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He alleged that the legal action was motivated by those unsettled by the rapid growth of the NDC within a short period, insisting that the party’s progress had attracted opposition from political interests.
While maintaining that the court had erred in law, he vowed that the party would pursue all available judicial remedies to overturn what he described as a judicial anomaly.
Despite the setback, he said the party remained undeterred, adding that the development had instead triggered a fresh wave of public support, with thousands of Nigerians reportedly registering as NDC members in solidarity.
Quoting his favourite saying on struggles, he remarked: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win.”
He thanked Nigerians for their continued confidence in the NDC, saying the support and encouragement received by the party had strengthened its determination to continue advocating for a more inclusive multi-party democracy in the country.
