NDC derecognition setback for democracy – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the Federal High Court’s order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as a setback for Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said it was awaiting the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgment but condemned what it described as the implications of the court order.

“While we await the Certified True Copy of the judgment, we express our profound condemnation of the implications of the court order, which further constricts the democratic space in our country. This is particularly disturbing, coming after Nigerians had expended their resources to aspire to various elective offices under the platform of the NDC. This order is not only an asphyxiation of multiparty democracy in Nigeria but also an economic crime against Nigerians who invested in the party,” PDP said.

According to the PDP, the ruling further narrows Nigeria’s democratic space, particularly after many Nigerians had invested resources to contest elective offices on the platform of the NDC.

The party argued that the order weakens multiparty democracy and amounts to an economic loss for party members and supporters who committed resources to the NDC.

The PDP also alleged that the development aligns with what it described as the ruling APC-led Federal Government’s efforts to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It claimed the government was unwilling to allow the emergence and survival of a strong opposition capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The opposition party further accused the Federal Government of undermining fair political competition, saying recent developments reflect a disregard for democratic principles.

The PDP urged the NDC leadership to challenge the court order through legal means while seeking the support of Nigerians in what it described as the struggle to protect and strengthen democracy.

It also called on the Federal Government to take practical steps to reduce political tension in the country in the interest of peace, stability and democratic consolidation.

NDC derecognition setback for democracy – PDP