NDC Files Appeal Against Deregistration Ruling, Urges INEC to Continue Candidate Upload Process

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has filed an appeal against the recent court ruling affecting its status and has also submitted an application for a stay of execution, insisting that it remains a duly registered political party eligible to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Addressing supporters, the party’s National Leader, identified by the initials HSD, disclosed that the appeal and accompanying application had been served on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the commission’s legal team.

He urged INEC to act in accordance with the law, stressing that the party had already completed its nomination processes and produced candidates for elective offices across the country through primaries monitored and documented by the electoral commission.

According to him, the only outstanding task is the administrative submission of candidates’ names to INEC, adding that the party has already been granted access to the commission’s portal for uploads.

He revealed that the names of the party’s presidential candidate and himself had already been uploaded to the INEC portal, while that of the vice-presidential candidate would be uploaded upon completion of the necessary documentation. He added that the upload process for other candidates was also underway.

The NDC leader said the party remained fully compliant with the electoral timetable, noting that it has until July 11 to submit the names of its National Assembly candidates and until July 17 for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates.

He, therefore, urged party members and supporters not to panic, expressing confidence that all qualified candidates would be submitted within the stipulated deadlines.

Acknowledging disagreements that arose from the party’s primary elections, he thanked all aspirants for participating in the process and admitted that the exercises were not without shortcomings.

He said reconciliation efforts had already commenced and assured unsuccessful aspirants that they would be integrated into the party’s campaign structures, committees and other leadership responsibilities.

He described the aspirants as the grassroots strength and backbone of the party, pledging that no committed member would be left behind.

The NDC leader also congratulated all the party’s candidates, members and supporters, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to Nigeria’s democratic system.

He warned against attempts by what he described as “desperados and mercenaries parading as political leaders” to undermine the country’s democracy, insisting that Nigeria’s multi-party system must be protected.

He commended Nigerians for their support and expressed appreciation to INEC, led by Professor Joash Amupitan, for what he described as its professionalism.

He particularly praised the commission for registering the NDC and two other political parties in compliance with a court order, as well as for opposing efforts to deregister opposition parties and recognising the chairmanship of David Mark in the ADC following a court directive.

The party leader called on political actors to preserve the neutrality of democratic institutions, including INEC, the judiciary and security agencies, despite what he described as existing institutional imperfections.

He said with the appeal and stay of execution now before the courts, the matter rests with the judiciary, expressing confidence that the legal process would be guided by the rule of law.

He concluded by reaffirming the NDC’s commitment to Nigeria’s democracy and its continued participation in the country’s political process.