The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the reported Federal High Court order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), describing the development as a major setback for Nigeria’s democracy and multiparty system.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said it was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment but expressed deep concern over the implications of the reported ruling.
“We have read media reports of the order of the Federal High Court, sitting in Lokoja, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the National Democratic Coalition (NDC),” the statement said.
“While we await the Certified True Copy of the judgment, we express our profound condemnation of the implications of the court order, which further constricts the democratic space in our country.”
The PDP argued that the decision was particularly troubling because many Nigerians had already invested their resources to contest elective offices on the platform of the NDC.
“This is particularly disturbing, coming after Nigerians had expended their resources to aspire to various elective offices under the platform of the NDC.”
The party further described the reported court order as “not only an asphyxiation of multiparty democracy in Nigeria but also an economic crime against Nigerians who invested in the party.”
According to the opposition party, although the matter was initiated through the courts, it reflects what it described as a broader effort by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to weaken political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This situation, though activated through the court, fits neatly into the playbook of the APC-led Federal Government, which appears unwilling to allow the survival of a genuine opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, in order to pave the way for the President’s unchallenged re-election.”
The PDP also accused the Federal Government of undermining political competition.
“The absurdities that have occurred under the APC Federal Government clearly demonstrate its disdain for fair political competition, which is most unfortunate.”
The party urged the leadership of the NDC to pursue all available legal options to challenge the reported judgment.
“The leadership of the genuine Peoples Democratic Party urges the leadership of the NDC to vigorously challenge this order within the ambit of the law while seeking the support of the Nigerian people in the struggle for democratic consolidation.”
The PDP also called on the Federal Government to take steps to ease political tensions and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The Federal Government must take practical steps to reduce the political temperature of the country in the interest of peace, stability, and the preservation of democracy,” the statement added.
Boluwatife Enome
