The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has declared that there is no pending court case or appeal challenging the registration of the party, insisting that the NDC remains a legally recognised political platform fully backed by the courts and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Dickson made the declaration on Saturday while addressing delegates at the inaugural national convention of the party held in Abuja.
In a strongly worded speech, the former Bayelsa State governor said contrary to what he described as “propaganda,” the legal processes surrounding the registration of the NDC had been concluded and fully implemented.
“Contrary to propaganda, there is no appeal against the judgement by INEC or by anyone,” Dickson said.
“The judgment has been obeyed and implemented fully, and besides, the timeline for appeal has since passed. Only INEC has the proper locus standi, and they have not appealed.”
He explained that efforts to establish the NDC dated back to 2017 when he and other political stakeholders sought to create an alternative political platform amid concerns over the weakening of opposition politics in Nigeria.
According to him, the party later revisited its registration application when INEC resumed registration of political parties last year.
Dickson disclosed that after encountering what he described as bureaucratic bottlenecks, the party approached the Federal High Court, which ruled in its favour in December 2025, leading to the eventual issuance of the party’s registration certificate by INEC in February 2026.
The NDC leader commended the judiciary for defending constitutional rights to freedom of association and also praised INEC for complying with the court judgment.
He, however, stressed the need to protect Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, warning against actions capable of weakening opposition parties.
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“Nigeria needs a strong party in government and also strong parties in opposition,” he said.
Dickson also used the occasion to celebrate the rapid growth of the NDC, noting that no political party in Nigeria’s history had gained such acceptance and momentum within three months of formation.
The former governor said the party had continued to attract support from across the country because of its commitment to national unity, inclusion, youth empowerment and democratic values.
He further confirmed that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had officially joined the NDC after weeks of consultations.
According to Dickson, the alliance represents “a unique convergence of political experience, administrative competence, national reach, and a shared hope for the future of Nigeria.”