Zamfara chairman confirms NDC's status as legitimate political party remains intact

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By Idris Salisu, Gusau

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The Zamfara State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Garba Maikatako, has dismissed reports suggesting that the party has been deregistered, insisting that the NDC remains a legally recognised and fully operational political party.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, Maikatako faulted the recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, describing it as non-binding on the party’s legal status and maintaining that the NDC remains vibrant and committed to democratic principles.

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“For clarification on the party’s legal status, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) remains a legally recognised, fully operational and vibrant political party,” he said.

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He added that the party’s National Leader and National Chairman had already clarified that the NDC had not been deregistered.

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“We stand firm as a legitimate entity, committed to the principles of democracy and the service of the Nigerian people,” he said.

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Maikatako described the Lokoja court ruling, which arose from an application filed by an association known as the Peace Movement Party, as a temporary legal setback rather than a final verdict on the party’s existence.

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“The recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which arose from a spurious application by an obscure association known as the Peace Movement Party, is merely a temporary legal hurdle, not a death knell.

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“It was neither an appeal against the judgment that mandated INEC nor a substantive suit challenging our existence. While we hold the judiciary in the highest esteem, we fundamentally disagree with this specific ruling,” he stated.

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The Zamfara NDC chairman reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy and urged members across the state to remain steadfast.

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“With a deep sense of responsibility and an unshakeable belief in the future of our great nation, I address the dedicated members of our party, the resilient people of Zamfara State and all Nigerians on behalf of the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

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“I do so guided by the visionary leadership of our National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the firm and purposeful leadership of our National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe,” he said.

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