Obi and Kwankwaso spearhead NDC's fight to avoid being struck off the register

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has concluded a series of strategy meetings with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, national leader, Seriake Dickson, and other key stakeholders to map out its next steps following a court ruling that nullified its registration.

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This development comes just 48 hours after the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, overturned its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC, a decision that has heightened political tensions and drawn criticism from opposition leaders.

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A senior party official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the party leadership has been holding back-to-back emergency meetings to finalize its legal strategy ahead of an appeal to the Court of Appeal on Monday.

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According to the official, Obi, Dickson, the party's national chairman, national secretary, and other executives attended a closed-door meeting on Saturday, while another emergency session was held on Sunday to fine-tune preparations for the appeal.

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The party's National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday, but declined to disclose the identity of the counsel who would lead the legal battle, stating that this information would be made public once the processes are filed.

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Enekweizu described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and lacking any legal foundation, expressing the party's conviction that it would secure victory on appeal and emphasizing that the party remains committed to democratic principles and the rule of law.

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Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, National Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, has declared that no temporary setback would weaken the Nigeria Democratic Congress as it grapples with the recent court ruling, following a courtesy visit to the NDC's National Leader, Seriake Dickson, in Abuja on Sunday.

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Kwankwaso expressed confidence that the party would overcome its current legal challenges, stating that its members remain committed to democratic principles and the rule of law, and urging party members and supporters to stay calm and focused on their shared mission.

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The meeting between Kwankwaso and Dickson came barely two days after the Federal High Court set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party, a ruling that effectively restored all parties to their pre-December 10, 2025, positions.

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National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, stated that the party had anticipated legal and political challenges and remains confident that the appellate court would overturn the ruling, emphasizing that the party's legal team is working to address the issue.

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A senior party official disclosed that beyond the legal challenge, the NDC has activated an extensive public engagement strategy involving civil society organizations, professional bodies, and media organizations to rally support for its position.

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Dickson has appealed to the party's candidates, including its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, not to abandon the party following the recent Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, assuring members that the party is on course and will pursue legal remedies through the appellate courts.

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The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has backed the appeal, with National Coordinator John Ughulu stating that the group had anticipated the judgment and remains confident it would be overturned, emphasizing that the legal team is ready to respond to any measures the government may take.

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The Obidient Movement has also thrown its weight behind the appeal, insisting that the ruling would not prevent the opposition from participating in the 2027 elections, and expressing confidence that Obi and Kwankwaso will be on the ballot.

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The Ondo State chapter of the NDC has rejected the court judgment, with Chairman Kennedy Peretei expressing dissatisfaction with the ruling and stating that the party will approach the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment.

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Senior lawyers have weighed in on the Kogi High Court ruling, with Senior Advocates of Nigeria noting that the pronouncement of the High Court can be challenged and that the party has the constitutional right to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

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Legal practitioner Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) stated that the judgment does not automatically prevent the party or its candidates from participating in future elections, emphasizing that the appellate process remains open and that the Constitution guarantees parties affected by decisions of the Federal High Court the right to seek redress at the Court of Appeal.