The Nigerian Democratic Congress(NDC), on Monday confirmed that it had filed a notice of appeal against the Federal High Court judgment that set aside its registration, assuring members and supporters that the party remained legally recognised and would soon serve the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with the court processes.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, saying the party’s legal team successfully filed the appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lokoja, Kogi State.
“Yes, we succeeded in filing the appeal today. We are going to serve INEC very soon. Our legal team was in Lokoja, Kogi State, today,” he said.
Director dismissed reports suggesting that the party had been deregistered, insisting there was no cause for alarm.
“We are not in panic mode. Our candidates need not fear. The NDC is a registered party. This is still reflected on the portal of INEC,” he stated.
He also faulted media reports on the court judgment, arguing that the suit merely challenged the party’s logo and not its existence as a political party.
“The narrative in the media is not even right. The group only challenged the use of our logo in court. That does not mean we are deregistered.
“That is why we are thanking our members, supporters and Nigerians for their understanding and solidarity,” he added.
The appeal follows days of emergency strategy meetings involving the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi; his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso; NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee and other key stakeholders.
A senior party official had earlier told our correspondent, that the leadership held marathon meetings over the weekend to fine-tune its legal strategy before approaching the Court of Appeal.
The development comes after the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its earlier judgment directing INEC to register the NDC, a decision the party has described as a legal setback it is determined to overturn.
The party has maintained that the judgment does not amount to its deregistration and has reassured its candidates and supporters that it remains a legally recognised political platform pending the outcome of the appeal.
Discover more from The STATESMAN Newspaper
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Post Disclaimer
THE STATESMAN NEWSPAPER make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the stories hereon as the statements are purely of the news makers.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from THE STATESMAN NEWSPAPER.
Contact:
