The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Federal High Court’s decision directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the National Democratic Party (NDC), describing the ruling as a threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
In a statement issued by its Interim National Working Committee through the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said it had taken note of reports regarding the judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The PDP stated that although it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement, it was concerned about the implications of the court’s decision, which it believes could further reduce the country’s democratic space.
According to the party, the ruling could negatively affect many Nigerians who had invested time and resources to contest elections under the platform of the National Democratic Party.
The opposition party argued that the judgement poses a challenge to Nigeria’s multiparty political system and could also result in financial losses for individuals associated with the party.
The PDP further alleged that the development aligns with what it described as efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. It claimed the situation reflects a lack of commitment to fair political competition.
The party called on the leadership of the NDC to challenge the court’s decision through all available legal channels while encouraging Nigerians to support efforts aimed at protecting democratic values.
It also urged the Federal Government to take steps to reduce political tension and promote peace, stability and democratic governance across the country.
The reaction follows a judgement delivered by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier ruling that had directed INEC to register the National Democratic Party as a political party.
The latest judgement was delivered after an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it had previously applied to register using the same “victory sign” symbol as far back as 2015.
In response, the NDC rejected the ruling, insisting that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to reverse its own final judgement on the matter. The party maintained that its registration had already been conclusively determined and pledged to challenge the latest decision through the appropriate legal process.
