Dickson Urges Party Members to Stick with NDC After Court Ruling

Senator Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has asked party candidates not to leave the party after a recent court decision in Lokoja. This includes the presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Dickson spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday. He was responding to news that some candidates were thinking about leaving the party because of the court ruling.

The issue started after a judgment on Friday by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja. This judgment overturned a previous one from December 10, 2025, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the NDC as a political party.

The judge said the earlier ruling affected the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used to get the registration order. The Peace Movement Party was not included in the case.

Dickson dismissed worries that the judgment had unsettled some candidates. He assured party members that the NDC remains strong and united. 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 the INEC portal. They will go into the polls and be on the ballot. So, there is nothing to fear. There’s no fear.

“Let me say, this kind of move is intended to be a distraction. It’s intended to shake our faith. But for some of us who are used to this kind of thing, in fact, we even expect more. Because if you have to be in this kitchen for some time, you must have a way to manage the heat.

“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.”

When asked if the party plans to report Justice Dashen to the National Judicial Council, Dickson said they would look for legal options through the appellate courts instead. He stated, “No, that’s not our focus. The judge has erred. We are not happy about it. But we have confidence in the Nigerian judicial system. As a person, I’ve always been a promoter and supporter of the judiciary, individual justices, and judges.

“So, I’m not casting any personal aspersions on the judge. But I believe that they are doing a very critical job. And it’s our duty. All of us as leaders, to encourage and support them.

“Even when they err and make decisions that we disagree with, we have an opportunity to vent around and get other appellate courts to do what should be done. That’s what hierarchy of courts is all about. But this is a terrible hangman job.”

The NDC is set to file an appeal against the Lokoja judgment on Monday. They insist that the ruling neither deregistered the party nor stopped it from taking part in the 2027 general election.