Obi, Dickson reject NDC deregistration, call it attack on democracy
By Aboki Forex —
Peter Obi and Senator Henry Seriake Dickson have condemned the Federal High Court decision to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). They called the ruling illegal and a blow to multi-party democracy.
Both politicians spoke in separate statements on their X accounts on Friday, June 26. The ruling came from Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja. The judge set aside an earlier order that directed INEC to register the NDC. The party's registration is now nullified pending a fresh hearing.
Dickson, a former Bayelsa State Governor and current Senator, said the ruling lacked legal merit. He said it was designed to hurt the progress the NDC has made since its registration.
“The order is illegal and will not stand. It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space. It will be resisted by all of us and by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria,” Dickson said.
He said the party has assembled a legal team to challenge the judgment. He urged members, supporters and candidates to stay calm and continue their political activities.
Dickson also alleged the legal challenge was politically motivated. He said the applicant was not a registered political party or one of the associations that sought registration from INEC.
“So, we know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period as a result of our hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy,” he said.
Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate, described the ruling as another blow to Nigeria's democratic institutions. He warned it could weaken public confidence in the country's democracy.
“Every Nigerian committed to the country's progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends,” Obi said.