Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso took charge of the Nigeria Democratic Congress strategy sessions. The party prepared its appeal against a Federal High Court ruling that nullified its registration.
The Federal High Court in Lokoja delivered the decision on Friday. Justice Isah Dashen set aside the court’s earlier December 2025 judgment that had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC. The latest ruling created uncertainty for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NDC officials concluded marathon strategy meetings over the weekend. Participants included presidential candidate Peter Obi, national leader Senator Seriake Dickson, National Working Committee members, and other stakeholders.
A senior party official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the sessions focused on finalising the legal approach for the Court of Appeal hearing scheduled for Monday.
Peter Obi addressed the development directly. He described the ruling as a temporary setback and maintained that the party’s mission remained on course. Obi called on supporters to stay focused and assured them that legal teams would challenge the judgment effectively.
National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe rejected claims of deregistration. He insisted that no court order explicitly deregistered the party and confirmed that the NDC continued as a registered entity while it pursued the appeal.
Rabiu Kwankwaso joined Obi in leading the response. The former Kano State governor helped coordinate efforts to protect the party’s platform and the joint ticket for the upcoming polls.
Party leaders expressed confidence in the appeal process. They argued that the court decision represented a legal hurdle rather than a final barrier to their participation in the 2027 elections. The NDC leadership promised to keep members informed as the case progressed.
