Court Sets Aside NDC Registration as Peter Obi Vows Appeal, Atiku Camp Pushes for Opposition Unity
The Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), prompting the camp of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to announce plans to appeal the ruling, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s media team called on opposition leaders to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ruling is widely regarded as a major legal setback for the emerging opposition coalition, with the NDC seen as a potential platform for prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Isah Dashen nullified the court’s December 10, 2025 ruling, holding that the earlier decision could not stand because it was reached without hearing all parties whose interests were directly affected.
The judge ruled that the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which had applied to be joined as an interested party, was a necessary party to the proceedings and ought to have been heard before the judgment was delivered.
Justice Dashen held that the earlier proceedings suffered a constitutional defect arising from the denial of fair hearing and further observed that material facts were allegedly suppressed in obtaining the December 2025 judgment.
He consequently restored the status quo and ordered that the substantive suit should commence afresh with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peace Movement Party (PMP) properly joined as parties.
The ruling effectively suspends the legal basis upon which INEC recognised the NDC, pending the determination of the fresh suit.
Counsel to the Peace Movement Party, C.S. Ekeocha, welcomed the decision, arguing that his client was wrongfully excluded from the original proceedings despite claiming ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC.
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He explained that the court’s latest decision restored all parties to the positions they occupied before the December 2025 judgment and effectively reversed all actions taken pursuant to the earlier ruling, including the registration and recognition of the party.
Peter Obi Camp Rejects Judgment
Reacting to the development, the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) described the ruling as a temporary setback and confirmed that the party’s legal team would challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.
The organisation appealed to supporters, coalition partners and members of the public to remain calm, insisting that the judgment would not derail the vision of building a credible alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
POMR stated that its lawyers were already reviewing the judgment and preparing the necessary legal processes to overturn the decision.
Atiku Camp Calls for Opposition Coalition
Meanwhile, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, said the judgment should serve as a wake-up call for opposition leaders.
In a post on X, Ibe urged Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and other opposition figures to immediately harmonise their political strengths ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the latest court decision underscores the increasing pressure confronting opposition platforms and highlights the urgent need for unity among political actors seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He further alleged that recent political developments point to efforts aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the next general election and warned that only a united opposition could mount a formidable challenge in 2027.
Fresh Legal Battle Begins
Political observers say the ruling represents a significant procedural setback rather than a final determination of the NDC’s legal status.
The matter will now return to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing involving all relevant parties, while the expected appeal by the NDC’s promoters is likely to shape the political landscape as opposition parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
By PRNigeria
