The Nigerian Democratic Congress has filed an NDC appeal against the Federal High Court ruling that nullified its registration, with party leaders expressing confidence in the appellate process ahead of 2027 elections

The leadership of the Nigerian Democratic Congress has wrapped up marathon strategy meetings involving its presidential candidate Peter Obi, national leader Seriake Dickson, National Working Committee members and other key stakeholders ahead of Monday’s appeal against the court ruling that nullified its registration.

Also read: Kwankwaso Meets Dickson as NDC Prepares for 2027 Polls

The development comes barely 48 hours after the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC.

The ruling has intensified political tensions and drawn condemnation from opposition leaders who insist the decision is aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general election.

A senior party official, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, disclosed that the party leadership had been holding back-to-back emergency meetings to finalise its legal strategy before approaching the Court of Appeal on Monday.

According to him, Obi, Dickson, the party’s national chairman, national secretary and other members of the party’s leadership attended Saturday’s closed-door meeting, while another emergency session was held on Sunday to fine-tune preparations for the appeal.

The National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Enekweizu, who spoke to our correspondent on the sidelines of a recent press briefing, confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday.

Enekweizu, however, declined to disclose the identity of the counsel that would lead the legal battle. He said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate at this time for us to announce who our legal team leader will be.

By the time we file our processes on Monday, you will know those who are in the team and who the leader is.”

The lawyer described the Lokoja judgment as unprecedented and lacking any legal foundation, insisting that the party remained convinced it would secure victory on appeal.

This NDC appeal comes as the party has recently emerged as a major opposition platform following the defection of several prominent politicians, including Kwankwaso and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also read: Peter Obi Condemns Lokoja Court Ruling on NDC

The meeting between Kwankwaso and Dickson on Sunday also signalled renewed efforts by opposition figures to consolidate support and address internal and legal challenges.