From Marcus Nkire
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved to challenge a recent Federal High Court decision that overturned an earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the party.
The legal action comes after the Federal High Court in Lokoja reversed its December 2025 judgement, following an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it was excluded from the original proceedings.
In its ruling, the court held that the failure to include all interested parties invalidated the earlier judgement. It consequently restored the previous legal position pending the hearing of the substantive matter.
Responding to the decision, NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson announced that the party has filed both an appeal and an application seeking a stay of execution.
He said the relevant court documents had been served on the Chairman of INEC and expressed optimism that the judicial process would be guided by the law.
Dickson also confirmed that the electoral commission has opened its candidate nomination portal to the party, allowing it to begin uploading the names of its candidates. According to him, the details of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, along with his own, have already been submitted.
He added that the vice-presidential candidate’s information would be uploaded once the required documentation is completed, while submissions for other candidates are also underway.
Although Dickson did not specify where the appeal was filed, it is understood to be before the Court of Appeal in Lokoja. As of the time of filing, no date has been scheduled for the hearing.
