Peter Obi, Seriake Dickson lead emergency strategy sessions as party challenges Lokoja judgment ahead of 2027 polls

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has finalised plans to challenge a Federal High Court ruling that nullified its registration, concluding a series of high-level strategy meetings ahead of filing an appeal at the Court of Appeal.

Top figures within the party, including presidential candidate Peter Obi and national leader Senator Seriake Dickson, held back-to-back closed-door sessions over the weekend to map out a legal response to the controversial judgment delivered in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The ruling, which reversed an earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, has triggered sharp political reactions, with opposition voices warning it could narrow the democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A senior party official disclosed that the meetings were convened on an emergency basis to fine-tune the NDC’s legal strategy and ensure a swift response at the appellate level.

“Several high-level meetings have taken place since the judgment surfaced. Key leaders, including Obi, Dickson, and members of the national executive, have been deeply involved in charting the way forward,” the source said.

While details of the legal team remain under wraps, the party confirmed that its National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, will play a central role in the appeal process.

NDC National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, confirmed that the appeal would be filed on Monday, describing the Lokoja ruling as unprecedented and legally questionable.

“It is not appropriate at this stage to disclose the lead counsel. Once we file, the legal team and its leadership will be made public,” Enekweizu said.

He insisted the party remains confident of overturning the judgment, stressing that its candidates at all levels would ultimately appear on the ballot.

According to him, the NDC views the ruling as part of broader attempts to weaken opposition forces but maintains strong faith in the judiciary to deliver justice.

“We believe in the courts as the last hope of the common man, and we will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion,” he added.