NDC Court Ruling a Temporary Setback

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives has reacted to the recent court ruling on the registration status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the development as a temporary setback that would not deter the party from its political mission.

The former Speaker, a prominent figure within the NDC fold, said the ruling, though disappointing, was simply a part of the legal and political processes that political parties often have to navigate in the course of their growth and operations.

He maintained that the NDC remained focused, undeterred, and committed to its vision of providing Nigerians with a credible alternative platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former lawmaker urged supporters of the party, its leadership, and the general public to remain calm in the face of the development, stressing that the party would pursue all available legal options to defend its rights and protect its existence.

He expressed confidence that the matter would ultimately be resolved in the party's favour, noting that the NDC had laid a solid foundation that could not be easily dismantled through legal manoeuvres or political pressure.

The former Speaker described the ruling as a learning opportunity for the party to strengthen its legal framework, internal structures, and political strategies as it continues to consolidate its position as a major opposition platform in the country.

He also took a swipe at what he described as deliberate moves by certain political actors to weaken opposition platforms and shrink the political space ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that such actions could undermine the foundations of the country's democracy.

He called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and defend the country's multiparty democracy, stressing that the strength of any democratic system lies in the existence of viable opposition parties.

The former Speaker further appealed to members of the NDC across the country to remain united, focused, and disciplined, assuring them that the party's leadership was working tirelessly to address the current challenges and reposition the party for the political battles ahead.

He noted that the NDC had attracted a broad-based coalition of political stakeholders, including former governors, lawmakers, ministers, technocrats, and grassroots politicians, who remained committed to building a credible political platform for the country.

The former lawmaker also expressed the party's appreciation for the support of its members and the goodwill it had continued to enjoy from Nigerians across the country, stressing that the NDC would not allow any setback to derail its political journey.

He reiterated the party's commitment to offering Nigerians a clear alternative anchored on good governance, accountability, transparency, and people-centred policies aimed at addressing the country's pressing security and economic challenges.

The former Speaker urged the judiciary to remain impartial in handling matters relating to the registration and operations of political parties, stressing that the courts must continue to serve as the guardians of the country's democratic system.

He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain transparent, fair, and consistent in its dealings with political parties, in line with the country's electoral laws and the principles of multiparty democracy.

The development comes amid intense political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with major opposition parties, including the NDC and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), navigating various legal and political battles as they prepare to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.

Political observers note that the recent court ruling and ongoing legal disputes involving opposition parties have heightened concerns over the future of multiparty democracy in the country, with stakeholders calling for sustained vigilance and engagement.

The former Speaker concluded by expressing optimism that the NDC would emerge stronger from the current challenges, stressing that the party remained on track to fulfil its political objectives and contribute to the deepening of democracy in Nigeria.