The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has declared that the party remains a legally registered political platform despite a recent court ruling against it, insisting that no political forces would be allowed to extinguish Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Dickson disclosed that the party had formally lodged an appeal against the judgment and secured an application for a stay of execution, which has already been served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He urged the electoral umpire to act strictly within the confines of the law, maintaining that the NDC remains fully qualified to participate in all electoral activities pending the final determination of the case.
According to him, the party has actively participated in every stage of the electoral process so far and has substantially complied with all requirements laid down by the electoral commission.
“The NDC remains a duly registered political party. We have participated in all electoral processes conducted to date, and our candidates have emerged through primaries monitored and documented by INEC,” Dickson said.
He explained that the only remaining obligation was the administrative process of uploading candidates’ names through INEC’s nomination portal.
The former Bayelsa State governor revealed that his own details, alongside those of the party’s presidential candidate, had already been uploaded to the commission’s portal, while that of the vice-presidential candidate would be completed upon the conclusion of the necessary documentation.
He further stated that similar processes were underway for candidates contesting other elective positions across the country.
Dickson stressed that there was no cause for alarm among party supporters, noting that the NDC remained comfortably within the timelines provided by the electoral calendar.
According to him, the party still has until July 11 to upload names of National Assembly candidates and until July 17 to submit those seeking governorship and state House of Assembly positions.
“There is enough time for all candidates’ names to be submitted to INEC, and there is absolutely no reason for anyone to panic,” he said.
Addressing concerns arising from the conduct of the party’s primary elections, Dickson acknowledged that the process had experienced certain imperfections but insisted that efforts were already underway to reconcile aggrieved aspirants and preserve party unity.
He described the challenges as inevitable for a relatively new political movement handling a large number of aspirants through direct primaries coordinated by stakeholders and party officials across the federation.
“The processes were not perfect, but we have worked to resolve the differences within this short period. For a new party managing such a huge volume of aspirants under a direct primary arrangement, some difficulties were expected,” he noted.
He assured unsuccessful aspirants that they remained integral to the future of the party and would continue to occupy strategic positions within its campaign structures and organisational framework.
According to Dickson, the strength of the NDC lies in its grassroots supporters and those who demonstrated interest in seeking public office under its banner.
“All those who expressed interest will be carried along in the party’s campaigns, committees and structures because they constitute the grassroots strength and the backbone of our party,” he stated.
In what appeared to be a veiled attack on political opponents, Dickson accused certain individuals of plotting to weaken opposition politics and undermine democratic plurality in the country.
“Our multi-party democracy must not die. We will not allow desperados and mercenaries parading themselves as political leaders to destroy our hard-earned democracy,” he declared.
The NDC leader expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support, solidarity and prayers amid the ongoing legal dispute, describing the public backing as a source of encouragement during what he termed a defining moment for democratic participation in the country.
He also commended INEC for its conduct throughout the controversy, praising the commission for registering the NDC and other political parties in compliance with court orders.
Dickson specifically lauded the electoral body for filing legal processes opposing attempts to deregister opposition parties and for recognising the leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under David Mark in obedience to judicial directives.
He argued that despite existing challenges within democratic institutions, national leaders must work collectively to safeguard the neutrality and credibility of agencies responsible for protecting the country’s democratic foundations.
“Despite the imperfections of our institutions, INEC, the judiciary and security agencies, all leaders must unite to preserve the neutrality of the institutions that protect our democracy and the integrity of our nation,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the judicial process, Dickson maintained that the appeal and accompanying applications had now placed the matter squarely before the courts.
“The ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law,” he added.