BREAKING: INEC Grants NDC Candidate Upload Code, Party Files Appeal Against Deregistration Ruling, Insists It Remains Legally Registered
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has formally filed an appeal against the recent Federal High Court ruling affecting its registration, insisting that it remains a legally recognised political party and that its participation in Nigeria’s electoral process remains valid.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party announced that it had also filed an application for a stay of execution and injunction pending the determination of the appeal. According to the NDC, the appeal and accompanying applications have been duly served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside a covering letter urging the electoral body “to do what is right according to law and what is legally sensible.”
The National Leader of the party maintained that the NDC “has come to stay” and remains a duly registered political party that has participated in all electoral processes to date.
According to the statement, the party has already concluded its nomination processes across the country, with primaries observed, monitored and recorded by INEC. It added that, in the eyes of the law, candidates have already emerged for various elective offices.
The party disclosed that it has already been granted access to the INEC candidate nomination portal and has commenced uploading the names of its candidates.
“My name and that of the Presidential Candidate have been uploaded to the INEC portal, while that of the Vice Presidential Candidate will be uploaded tomorrow upon completion of the necessary deposition,” the statement said, adding that the process is also ongoing for other candidates nationwide.
The NDC stressed that it remains fully compliant with the INEC timetable, noting that it has until July 11 to submit the names of National Assembly candidates and until July 17 to upload the names of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates.
“There is enough time for all candidates’ names to be submitted to INEC, and there is no reason for anyone to panic,” the party stated.
The leadership also acknowledged that while its direct primary process was not without challenges, reconciliation efforts have commenced to unite aspirants who did not emerge victorious. It assured members that all aspirants would remain integral to the party’s campaigns, committees and organisational structures.
The NDC expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their support and solidarity, while also commending INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, for what it described as the Commission’s professionalism in complying with previous court orders registering the NDC and two other political parties.
The party further praised INEC’s legal position in opposing attempts to deregister opposition parties and referenced its compliance with court directives concerning the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Calling for the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, the party urged the judiciary, INEC and security agencies to remain neutral and uphold the rule of law.
“Having filed and served our appeal and the accompanying applications, the ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law,” the statement concluded.
The latest legal move comes as the NDC seeks to overturn the court ruling while continuing preparations for the forthcoming general elections. Njenje Media will continue to monitor developments in the case and provide timely updates as they unfold.
For continuing coverage of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, stay with Njenje Media for verified reports, legal developments and election updates.
