NDC Still Exists, Has Not Been Deregistered – Seriaki Dickson

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has insisted that the party remains a legally recognised political platform despite a recent court ruling that nullified an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Dickson dismissed concerns over the party's future, saying the judgment did not amount to deregistration and that the NDC had already initiated legal steps to challenge the ruling.

According to him, the controversy has unexpectedly increased public awareness of the party, leading to a surge in membership registrations through its official website.

Dickson expressed appreciation to supporters for what he described as overwhelming solidarity, noting that many Nigerians have embraced the party's vision following the court decision.

He maintained that the NDC remains validly constituted and has successfully conducted primary elections for all elective positions, including the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship and presidential election.

The former governor also stated that the party's presidential candidate and running mate were duly nominated through processes monitored by INEC within the timetable set by the electoral commission.

He assured party members and candidates that their nominations remain legally valid, explaining that the conduct of primaries—not the administrative submission of candidates' names to INEC—is what determines the legitimacy of nominations under Nigerian law.

According to Dickson, the court's ruling did not order the deregistration of the NDC, nor has any legal process been initiated to dissolve the party.

He therefore urged supporters to remain confident, insisting that all candidates who emerged from the party's recognised primaries would remain eligible to participate in the 2027 general election.

The latest comments come after the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja set aside its earlier judgment delivered on December 10, 2025, which had directed INEC to register the NDC as a political party.

Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the earlier decision adversely affected the interests of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo used in securing the original judgment but was not joined as a party in the case.

Despite the setback, Dickson maintained that the NDC remains committed to pursuing all available legal remedies while continuing preparations for the 2027 elections.