Following the recent ruling in Lokoja by the Federal High Court, Senator Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress(NDC), has urged the party’s candidates, including its VP cnadidate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to stay with the party.
Dickson made the appeal on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to reports that some candidates were considering leaving the party over the ruling.
The controversy followed Friday’s judgment by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party.
Responding to concerns that some candidates have become worried by the development, Dickson dismissed the speculation, assuring members that the party remained on course.
He said, “That is what this kind of kangaroo situation is intended to achieve. But I’m here to assure all members. That’s not the report we have. Our candidates are steadfast and they have already emerged as candidates of our party.
“They know the steps that the party is taking. And in no distant time, they will be uploaded (on INEC portal). They will go into the polls and be on the ballot. So, there is nothing to fear. There’s no fear.
“So, I assure all our candidates and our members that the NDC is on the ballot. All our candidates will be on the ballot. The NDC has not been deregistered and won’t be deregistered. The laws of this country will speak and justice will run its course. So, I have nothing to worry about.”
We’ll Be Open To Conversations,’ NDC
Amid the crisis and efforts to restore normalcy, Senator Seriake Dickson, noted that the party remains open to discussions with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, while expressing hope that any eventual coalition would rally behind the NDC’s candidates.
He said, “As an opposition leader, we will be open. Our party, the NDC, will be open to conversations within that space.
“But it is not for me or anyone to pre-empt those discussions. We hope that whatever discussions take place will lead to the NDC candidates being backed because we know the value of the candidates we are putting forward.
“We are not claiming superiority. After the nomination process has ended, we will move into another phase of discussions. Whether there will be an agreement, I don’t know. We will try. Where it will lead, I don’t know, but all those are options that remain open.”
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Backstory…
Recall that the recent crisis plaguing the party comes amid growing political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party has been in the spotlight following a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that reversed its earlier directive ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party, a move the party says is now being misinterpreted as grounds for deregistration.
This has also resulted in concerns over the condition of opposition in the country and further concerns about possible indications of a one party state.
Read Also: NDC deregistration moves embarrassing, baseless — Seriake Dickson
