The founder and national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Seriake Dickson, has rejected the ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja over the party’s registration.
NPO Reported that the court had yesterday nullified its initial judgement which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
In his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Isah Dashen, upheld an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP).
Dashen said that the PMP was a necessary party to the suit and that the earlier judgment was constitutionally defective because it was delivered without hearing all affected parties.
Reacting to the judgement in a statement issued on his X handle on Friday evening, Dickson rejected the nullification of the initial order of the court.
The lawmaker representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District held that the order lacked legal merit and against multi-party democracy.
Dickson said the the NDC’s legal team are currently taking steps towards setting the order aside.
“This morning, I, like several other leaders, officials, candidates of the NDC, and members of the public, was jolted by the order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja and presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.
“All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand.
“It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space. It will be resisted by all of us and by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.
“We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking appropriate steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy.” He said.
Meanwhile, the NDC national leader allayed concerns over the ruling as he urged the part members and candidates to remain calm and continue their regular political activities.
Dickson described the development as the first test of the their commitment and resilience.
The former governor claimed the development is coming from those afraid of the progress made so far by the NDC as he held that the PMP who filed the application for the nullification was not a party to the suit.
“This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt. Even this shall pass, and the NDC and all our candidates shall cruise to victory.
“We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack, but this particular development came from a very unlikely source.
“The application by an unregistered association, which is not a registered political party and has no exclusive right to any logo under the law, is shocking.
“Moreover, it was not a necessary party to the suit because it had no interest in the subject matter. It did not apply for registration in 2025, it was not one of the 171 associations that applied, nor was it among the 21 associations shortlisted for registration.
“So, we know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period as a result of our hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy.” He added.
Dickson further charged the party members and candidates not to be moved by the ruling which he described as an indication that their efforts did not go unnoticed.
“We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue.
“We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it.
“All our candidates, supporters, and teeming voters across the country and beyond should hold on firmly and keep the faith. This development shows that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.” He said.
The NDC leader assured the party faithfuls of victory as he thanked Nigerian for their support of the party.
“I would also like to refer to my favourite quote on struggles “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win.”
“We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win.
“Even with today’s development, thousands of Nigerians are joining us in solidarity. In fact, thousands of Nigerians across the country registered as NDC members today to show their solidarity, sympathy and support for our party.
“All things work together for good. Men may act with evil intentions, but if it is not the will of God, He turns it around for our good.
“I sincerely thank Nigerians for the confidence they continue to repose in the NDC. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our vision only strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria.” He added.