The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to provide the access code needed to upload its candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The allegation has added another twist to the legal battle surrounding the NDC, with party officials insisting they are determined to remain in the race despite the court ruling.
Moreover, the NDC maintains that it remains a legally recognised political party and believes the court’s decision does not amount to deregistration. The party also expressed confidence that the appellate courts will overturn the ruling.
Speaking on the development, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the NDC approached INEC to obtain the credentials required for uploading candidates onto the commission’s nomination portal.
However, he alleged that the electoral body did not respond to the request.
According to him, “We have approached INEC but they are yet to respond to our request. Hopefully, we shall be in court tomorrow to file for a stay of execution of the Lokoja FHC ruling.”
Furthermore, Director explained that party officials were informed that INEC would get back to them after their request was submitted.
He argued that the inability to upload candidates should not be interpreted as negligence by the party.
According to him, “We approached INEC to collect the access code to upload the names of our candidates to the INEC portal. They told us that they will get back to us.”
He added, “We will go back there by tomorrow. I believe by tomorrow we must have filed a stay of execution in court.”
The latest dispute follows a judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The court directed INEC not to recognise the NDC as a political party until all pending legal issues surrounding its registration are resolved.
In addition, the court set aside its earlier December 2025 judgment that had ordered INEC to register the party.
The decision followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC during its registration process.
However, the NDC has rejected the ruling and vowed to challenge it before the Court of Appeal.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe insisted that the party remained legally recognised despite the court’s decision.
According to him, the judgment did not order the party’s deregistration.
He also assured supporters that the legal battle would not stop preparations for the 2027 elections.
Furthermore, Zuwoghe maintained that the party had already participated in several political activities after its registration.
These activities include membership registration, congresses, conventions and primary elections conducted according to INEC’s timetable.
The chairman also said the party had fielded candidates in recent by-elections held in Nasarawa and Enugu states.
According to him, candidates have already been nominated for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, presidential and vice-presidential elections.
Meanwhile, the party dismissed claims made by the Peace Movement Party.
It argued that PMP is neither a registered political party nor an association currently seeking registration through INEC.
The chairman described the Lokoja judgment as legally flawed.
According to him, “In our opinion, this is one of the most unfortunate judicial decisions we have seen. It has no legal basis, and we are unaware of any judicial precedent that supports it.”
He also alleged that the legal developments were aimed at weakening opposition politics.
According to Zuwoghe, “Recent judicial developments affecting other political parties suggest an attempt to prevent viable opposition from participating in the democratic process. That effort will not succeed. Our candidates will participate in the forthcoming elections.”
Moreover, he expressed confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.
He stated, “We still have faith in the Nigerian judiciary. The Federal High Court is not the final court in the land. We will pursue this matter through the appellate process and are confident that justice will prevail.”
The chairman also insisted that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate and other candidates would remain on the ballot in 2027.
He further claimed that the party’s rapid growth had unsettled political opponents.
According to him, “Within four months of registration, the NDC has emerged as a major opposition force. That naturally attracts political attention.”
Meanwhile, he maintained that preparations for the elections would continue despite the court ruling.
He said, “This court ruling has not stopped our work. Immediately after this briefing, I am proceeding to INEC to continue the process of uploading our candidates.”
He urged party members to remain calm while legal efforts continue.
