The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has overturned the Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that had nullified the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), clearing the way for the party to participate in the 2027 general elections.
The appellate court, in a 2–1 majority decision, set aside the judgment delivered by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which had reversed an earlier decision directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.
The Court of Appeal held that the lower court had acted improperly by effectively sitting on appeal over its own earlier judgment of December 10, 2025, which had directed INEC to recognise and register the NDC as a political party.
Reacting to the judgment, NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, welcomed the decision, declaring that “our prayers have been answered” and describing the ruling as a victory for multiparty democracy.
Dickson commended the judiciary, particularly Justices Mohammed Danjuma and Muslim Sule Hassan, who formed the majority, for what he described as upholding the integrity of the judicial system and protecting Nigeria’s democratic space.
He said the earlier Lokoja judgment had created uncertainty over the NDC’s participation in the electoral process but maintained that the Court of Appeal had now reaffirmed the party’s right to operate and participate in political activities as a registered party.
Dickson congratulated NDC members and candidates across the country, insisting that the party’s registration remains valid and that its candidates will participate in the 2027 elections.
He urged party members to put the legal battle behind them and concentrate on grassroots mobilisation, campaigns and preparations for the elections.
According to him, the NDC will continue to pursue its objective of expanding Nigeria’s multiparty democratic space and providing an alternative platform for political participation.
The legal dispute began after a Federal High Court judgment in December 2025 directed INEC to register the NDC. However, on June 26, 2026, Justice Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside that earlier judgment following an application by the Peace Movement Party, which argued that its interests had been affected without being joined in the original proceedings. ([TheCable][3])
The NDC subsequently appealed the Lokoja decision, culminating in Friday’s ruling by the Court of Appeal.
