Party insists it remains legally recognised as Dickson confirms submission of candidates’ names and ongoing court challenge against deregistration order.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved to solidify its participation in the 2027 general elections by uploading the name of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal—despite a recent court ruling ordering the party’s deregistration.

The party also confirmed that it has filed an appeal against the judgment alongside an application for a stay of execution, seeking to halt the enforcement of the ruling pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday, revealing that both the appeal and the stay application had been formally served on the INEC Chairman. He urged the electoral body to act strictly in line with the law while the matter remains before the courts.

Dickson maintained that the NDC is still a duly registered political party, stressing that it has consistently participated in electoral activities and successfully conducted its primaries under INEC supervision.

“The Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered party in Nigeria, having participated in all political processes so far,” he stated.

He further disclosed that the party had been granted access to the INEC portal to upload its candidates for the 2027 elections. According to him, the names of Peter Obi and himself have already been submitted, while that of the vice-presidential candidate will be uploaded once documentation is completed.

The former Bayelsa State governor noted that the party is operating in line with INEC’s official timetable, with submissions for National Assembly candidates set to close on July 11, and those for governorship and state assembly candidates due by July 17.

Dickson also called for calm among party members, assuring them that there was no cause for alarm. He revealed that reconciliation efforts were underway following the conclusion of the party’s primaries and promised that unsuccessful aspirants would be integrated into campaign structures and committees.

“With the appeal and stay of execution application now before the courts, the judiciary will determine the next course of action in accordance with the law,” he said.

Reaffirming the party’s stance, the statement added that the legal steps taken were aimed at ensuring due process, while administrative procedures—such as candidate submissions—continue uninterrupted.

The development comes amid an ongoing legal tussle over the NDC’s status following a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that ordered its deregistration.