NDC Under Attack, But We'll Win, Says Seriake Dickson

National leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has declared that the party is under attack following the Federal High Court ruling that set aside the judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register it as a political party.

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, insisted the ruling was legally unsustainable and vowed that the NDC would challenge the decision through all available judicial channels.

His reaction comes a day after the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, vacated its December 10, 2025 judgment that directed INEC to register the NDC, ruling that the earlier proceedings were constitutionally defective because not all interested parties were heard.

Reacting to the development, Dickson alleged that the decision was aimed at undermining the party's credibility and slowing its growing political momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

"All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand," he said.

The former governor described the ruling as an attack on Nigeria's multi-party democracy, arguing that it amounted to an attempt to shrink the country's democratic space.

"It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space," Dickson stated.

He disclosed that the party had already assembled a team of lawyers to challenge the judgment at the appellate court, expressing confidence that the decision would eventually be overturned.

Dickson also questioned the legal standing of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), whose application prompted the court to set aside the earlier judgment.

According to him, the association lacks the legal basis to challenge the NDC's registration.

"We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack," he said.

"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."

Despite the setback, Dickson maintained that the court ruling would not derail the party's political agenda.

"We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue."

The former governor further criticised the ruling, accusing the trial judge of making fundamental legal errors.

"We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it," he said.

Dickson urged party members and supporters to remain calm, expressing confidence that the NDC would ultimately prevail.

"We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win."

He also claimed that public support for the NDC had increased following the court ruling, alleging that thousands of Nigerians had registered as members in solidarity with the party.

"I sincerely thank Nigerians for the confidence they continue to repose in the NDC. Your support, encouragement and belief in our vision only strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria," he added.

The latest remarks add to a string of reactions from NDC leaders following Friday's ruling. Earlier, the party rejected the court's decision and announced plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal, while its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, described the judgment as "another setback for democracy" and warned that weakening democratic institutions threatens Nigeria's future.

The appeal is expected to determine the legal status of the NDC as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.