The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has wrapped up marathon strategy meetings to adopt a fresh approach following a recent court judgment that nullified its political party registration.
The, back-to-back emergency sessions involved the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, national leader Seriake Dickson, the National Working Committee, and other key stakeholders who gathered to finalize a way out of the crisis.
The closed-door meetings, which took place over the weekend, were held just 48 hours after a Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its previous order that had forced the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognize the party. The reversal has drawn condemnation from opposition leaders who argue the ruling is a coordinated attempt to weaken alternative political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior party official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the weekend sessions were dedicated to fine-tuning their immediate response before approaching the Court of Appeal on Monday.
“Yes, a number of closed-door meetings have taken place since the Kogi High Court judgment went viral,” the source disclosed, adding that while the full composition of the legal team remains under wraps, the party’s National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, is set to play a pivotal role.
Confirming the timeline, National Secretary Ikenna Enekweizu stated that the party’s appeal would be filed immediately on Monday, though he declined to name the leading counsel.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate at this time for us to announce who our legal team leader will be,” Enekweizu said.
The legal battle stems from a ruling by Presiding Judge Hon. Justice Isa H. Dashen, who nullified the party’s December 2025 registration order because it infringed on the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claims ownership of the logo used by the NDC.
Consequently, INEC is expected to strip the NDC of its official recognition, though INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna clarified that the commission is waiting for the Certified True Copy before taking definitive action.
This administrative limbo has already resulted in the NDC being denied portal access codes to upload its candidates. The digital lockout directly threatens the ticket of Obi and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, especially as INEC’s strict nomination portal deadlines for presidential candidates run from June 27 to July 11, 2026.
Despite the setback, party heavyweights are putting up a united front to prevent candidates and supporters from panicking.
Following a strategic meeting in Abuja, Kwankwaso expressed unwavering confidence in the judicial process,
“No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
National Chairman Moses Cleopas echoed this resilience, describing the judgment as an attempt to see if the party would shake. According to him, “there is no shaking because we are stronger.”
Meanwhile, National Leader Seriake Dickson dismissed rumours that candidates are looking to defect to other parties, using a televised appearance to reassure members that their names would eventually be uploaded to the portal.
“Let me say this kind of move is intended to be a distraction. It’s intended to shake our faith,” Dickson noted, advising the party to stay steadfast because “if you have to be in this kitchen for some time, you must have a way to manage the heat.”
Beyond the courts, insiders reveal the NDC has also activated a public relations strategy to engage civil society organizations and media outlets to reinforce its standing.
“Presently, the party has activated and structured a move to start engaging civil societies and media engagements as part of its defence and future campaigns.
“In the days to come, there will be series of press conferences and parley with CSOs and pressure groups,” a party source said.
