2027: Dickson vows to fight court order deregistering NDC
Senator Seriake Dickson, leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has rejected a Federal High Court judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party.
Describing the ruling as an “anti-democratic” attempt to stifle Nigeria’s multi-party space, the former Bayelsa State governor vowed that the order would be overturned on appeal.
The controversy follows a Friday ruling delivered by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which directed the electoral umpire to scrap the NDC’s registration.
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Reacting to the development, Dickson insisted the judgment lacked legal merit and was explicitly designed to undermine the rapid growth and credibility of the newly formed party.
‘An attack on multi-party democracy’
Dickson characterized the judicial directive as a direct threat to the country’s democratic ecosystem, arguing that it seeks to restrict political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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,” Dickson declared. “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.”
The lawmaker disclosed that the NDC has already assembled a high-powered legal team to initiate appeal proceedings to set aside the order. He urged party loyalists, candidates, and supporters across the country to remain calm and proceed with their political activities without distraction.
Dickson questions plaintiff’s legal standing
The NDC leader raised sharp questions over the identity and legal standing (locus standi) of the applicant in the suit, a group identified as the Peace Movement Party.
According to Dickson, the association is neither a recognized political party nor was it among the groups that applied to INEC for registration during the 2025 window. He argued that the group had no justifiable legal interest in the matter to warrant bringing a lawsuit against the NDC.
“The circumstances surrounding the case raise serious legal questions that our lawyers will aggressively address during the appeal process,” he said.
Dickson further alleged that the lawsuit was bankrolled by external political forces who have grown increasingly uneasy with the NDC’s rapid ascent. He noted that the party’s massive nationwide traction within just five months of its existence had sent shockwaves through the political establishment.
Despite the legal hurdle, the former governor expressed unshaking confidence that the NDC would survive the onslaught and remain a viable alternative platform for Nigerians looking towards the 2027 polls.
“The party remains focused on its core objectives and will continue engaging its supporters nationwide while the judicial process runs its course,” Dickson concluded.
