The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended its registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), dismissing criticisms by Dr. Umar Ardo as unfounded.
National Leader of the party, Sen. Seriake Dickson, in a statement, said the NDC followed due process and obtained a valid court judgment compelling INEC to register it.
He stated that the party’s application dates back to 2017 but was stalled following INEC’s suspension of political party registrations at the time.
According to him, the process resumed after the electoral body lifted the embargo, with the NDC listed among over 170 political associations seeking registration.
Sen. Dickson explained that INEC declined the party’s application over alleged similarities between its proposed logo and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) saying the party challenged the decision in court after the commission allegedly declined its request to modify the logo.
“The court upheld our right to freedom of association, deemed the party registered and directed INEC to issue a certificate of registration,” he said.
INEC subsequently complied with the judgment and announced the NDC as a registered political party.
The former Bayelsa State governor noted that the commission did not appeal the ruling within the stipulated period, stressing that the judgment remains valid and binding.
He also said the party has commenced political activities in line with the Electoral Act, including holding its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting after giving INEC the required 21-day notice.
Addressing Ardo’s claims, Sen. Dickson said the criticisms were misplaced, noting that similar court ordered registrations had been granted to other political groups citing the case of the National Democratic Party (NDP), which was also registered following a court order after meeting constitutional requirements.
Sen. Dickson further stated that the NDC has no involvement in the internal disputes affecting other political associations, adding that such issues should not be linked to the party’s registration.
Political analysts say the development reflects ongoing tensions among emerging political groups seeking relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy comes amid wider disputes over party registrations, with some political groups, including the African Alliance Party (AAP), already challenging INEC’s decision to register the NDC in court, alleging irregularities in the process.
Meanwhile, the NDC said it is gaining traction nationwide, with increasing membership across the country and diaspora, positioning itself as a viable opposition platform.
The exchange highlights deepening divisions within Nigeria’s emerging political coalitions, as stakeholders jostle for relevance ahead of the next electoral cycle.