A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has condemned Friday’s ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja setting aside the judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, describing the decision as an orchestrated attack on the NDC and Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
Reacting to the court order in a statement issued on Friday, the former Bayelsa State governor accused unnamed forces of using the judiciary to frustrate the rapid rise of the opposition party, insisting that the ruling lacked legal merit and would be overturned on appeal.
“This morning, I, like several other leaders, officials, candidates of the NDC, and members of the public, was jolted by the order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja and presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen,” Dickson said.
According to him, the ruling was aimed at undermining the credibility and progress the party had recorded within a few months of its registration.
“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.
“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,” he declared.
Dickson disclosed that the NDC had already mobilised its legal team to challenge what he described as a judicial anomaly, expressing confidence that normalcy would soon be restored.
“We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking appropriate steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy.
“I call on all members, supporters, and candidates of the NDC to remain calm and continue with their normal political activities. This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt. Even this shall pass, and the NDC and all our candidates shall cruise to victory.”
The former governor maintained that while the party anticipated political resistance because of its growing popularity, it never expected the challenge to come through an application filed by what he described as an unregistered association with no legal interest in the matter.
“We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack, but this particular development came from a very unlikely source.
“The application by an unregistered association, which is not a registered political party and has no exclusive right to any logo under the law, is shocking.
“Moreover, it was not a necessary party to the suit because it had no interest in the subject matter. It did not apply for registration in 2025, it was not one of the 171 associations that applied, nor was it among the 21 associations shortlisted for registration.”
Dickson alleged that the latest development was a reaction to the party’s growing influence across the country.
“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.
“We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue.”
He further accused Justice Isah Dashen of committing a legal error, saying the party would exhaust every lawful avenue to reverse the ruling.
“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.”
Calling on party faithful not to lose hope, Dickson insisted that the court order had only strengthened public support for the NDC.
“All our candidates, supporters, and teeming voters across the country and beyond should hold on firmly and keep the faith. This development shows that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.”
Describing the ruling as part of a broader struggle, he invoked one of his favourite quotations.
“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win.
“We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win.”
Dickson also claimed that the ruling had triggered an unprecedented wave of solidarity for the party, with thousands of Nigerians reportedly registering as members on the same day.
“Even with today’s development, thousands of Nigerians are joining us in solidarity. In fact, thousands of Nigerians across the country registered as NDC members today to show their solidarity, sympathy and support for our party.
“All things work together for good. Men may act with evil intentions, but if it is not the will of God, He turns it around for our good.
“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.”
The NDC has maintained that it will challenge the Lokoja court ruling at the Court of Appeal while urging its members and candidates nationwide to continue their political activities pending the outcome of the legal process.
