Turaki-led PDP splinter group criticizes judiciary's decision regarding NDC membership registration

The Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party has come out strongly against a Federal High Court ruling that overturned its earlier judgment, which had instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a political party.

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This criticism was conveyed through a statement issued on Friday by the faction's National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, in which the party expressed its intention to await the Certified True Copy of the judgment while voicing concern over the ruling's potential to further restrict Nigeria's democratic space.

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On Friday, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, vacated its earlier judgment directing INEC to register the NDC as a political party, with Justice Isah Dashen citing the need for the Peace Movement Party to be included as a necessary party in the suit.

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Justice Dashen held that the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used in obtaining the earlier judgment, ought to have been heard before the court reached its decision, leading the court to set aside the earlier judgment and order that all necessary parties be joined before the substantive suit proceeds.

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The PDP faction has urged the Federal Government to take steps to alleviate political tensions in the interest of maintaining democratic stability, as the current situation threatens to undermine the country's democratic foundations.

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A statement from the faction expressed profound condemnation of the implications of the court order, which it believes will further constrict Nigeria's democratic space and have severe economic consequences for Nigerians who invested in the NDC.

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The faction views this order as an attack on multiparty democracy in Nigeria and an economic crime against Nigerians who had aspirations to hold elective offices under the NDC platform, leaving them disillusioned and financially drained.

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The situation is seen as a deliberate attempt by the APC-led Federal Government to stifle genuine opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, paving the way for the President's unchallenged re-election and demonstrating the government's disdain for fair political competition.

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The leadership of the genuine Peoples Democratic Party has called upon the leadership of the NDC to challenge this order vigorously within the bounds of the law, while also seeking the support of the Nigerian people in the struggle for democratic consolidation.