The Nigerian Democratic Congress on Monday said it has filed a notice of appeal against a Federal High Court judgment that set aside its registration, insisting the party remains legally recognized.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, revealed that its legal team filed the appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lokoja, Kogi State.
“Yes, we succeeded in filing the appeal today. We are going to serve INEC very soon. Our legal team was in Lokoja today,” Director said.
He dismissed reports that the party had been deregistered, saying the NDC remains a registered political party.
“We are not in panic mode. Our candidates need not fear. The NDC is a registered party. This is still reflected on the portal of INEC,” he said.
Director also disputed media reports about the court’s ruling, arguing that the suit challenged the party’s logo rather than its existence.
“The narrative in the media is not even right. The group only challenged the use of our logo in court. That does not mean we are deregistered,” he said.
He thanked party members and supporters for their continued support.
The appeal follows a series of strategy meetings involving the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi; his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso; National Leader Seriake Dickson; members of the National Working Committee; and other stakeholders.
A senior party official earlier told The PUNCH that the leadership held meetings over the weekend to finalize its legal strategy before filing the appeal.
The move comes after the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the party.
The NDC has maintained that the ruling does not amount to its deregistration and said it remains a legally recognized political platform pending the outcome of the appeal.
