The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, has rejected a ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja that set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, describing the decision as illegal, anti-democratic, and lacking legal merit.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, on Friday vacated its December 2025 judgment following an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), an unregistered association, which claimed an interest in the logo adopted by the NDC.
The court held that the earlier judgment was constitutionally defective because all necessary parties were not joined in the suit. It subsequently ordered a fresh hearing with INEC, the Peace Movement Party, and the NDC joined as parties, while restoring the status quo pending the determination of the case.
Reacting in a statement on Friday evening, Senator Dickson said the ruling was aimed at undermining the credibility and progress of the party.
“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,” he said.
Dickson disclosed that the party’s legal team had already commenced steps to challenge the ruling and restore the earlier judgment. He urged party members, supporters, and candidates to remain calm and continue their political activities despite the court decision.
“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,” he stated.
The former governor expressed surprise that the challenge originated from what he described as an unregistered association with no legal interest in the matter.
According to him, the Peace Movement Party neither applied for registration in 2025 nor was among the 171 associations that sought registration or the 21 reportedly shortlisted by INEC.
He maintained that the association had no exclusive legal claim to the disputed logo and was therefore not a necessary party to the original suit.
Dickson said the party anticipated attempts to frustrate its progress but insisted that the latest development would not derail its mission of promoting multi-party democracy in Nigeria.
“We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue,” he said, adding that the party would pursue all available legal remedies to reverse what he described as “a judicial anomaly.”
He also called on supporters nationwide to remain steadfast, saying the legal challenge demonstrated that the party’s growing popularity had attracted attention.
Quoting one of his favourite sayings, Dickson remarked: “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,” he added.
The NDC leader further revealed that thousands of Nigerians reportedly registered as members of the party on Friday in solidarity with its cause.
Expressing appreciation for the support, Dickson thanked Nigerians for their confidence in the NDC, saying their encouragement had strengthened the party’s resolve to continue its campaign for a more inclusive and competitive democratic system in the country.