Idris Zekeri Jr., the media aide to Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress’ (NDC) presidential candidate, said on Friday that the party’s legal team was reviewing the Federal High Court decision that overturned the judgment requiring the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party.
Zekeri, in an Abuja statement, urged followers to be calm, stating that the party was analyzing the verdict and will seek legal recourse.
He claimed that the party had been overwhelmed with inquiries following what he termed the “bizarre” verdict of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State.
“We have received the news of today’s bizarre ruling from the court in Lokoja regarding the legal status of the Nigerian Democratic Congress.
“While our legal teams are thoroughly reviewing the judgment to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures, our principal urges all our supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to remain absolutely calm and focused,” he said.
Zekeri stated that the party anticipated opposition in its efforts to confront the country’s political system, viewing the verdict as a temporary setback rather than the end of its political aspirations.
“Today’s ruling is a hurdle, not a stop sign. Our commitment to providing a transparent, legitimate, and formidable alternative for Nigerians remains unshakeable.
“The platform we are building is robust, and our legal rights will be vigorously pursued. Do not be discouraged; the vehicle may face a temporary breakdown, but our destination remains non-negotiable.”
The remark came after Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja overturned the court’s December 10, 2025, ruling requiring INEC to register the NDC on Friday.
The judge ruled that the earlier decision had an impact on the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the emblem used to obtain the registration order but was not included as a party in the lawsuit.
C.S. Ekeocha, counsel for the applicant, stated that the court ordered all parties to return to their positions prior to the December 10, 2025, judgment and that all essential parties be joined before the substantive complaint is heard again.
He added that the ruling effectively nullified INEC’s actions under the previous judgment, including the recognition of the NDC, issuance of its certificate of registration, inclusion in the commission’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers, pending the outcome of the substantive suit.
