The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced that it has filed an appeal and an application for a stay of execution against a recent court ruling affecting the party, insisting that it remains a duly registered political party and will continue to participate fully in Nigeria’s electoral process.
National Leader of the party, Governor Dickson, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, revealing that the appeal and accompanying stay of execution had been served on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the commission’s leadership.
According to him, the party expects INEC to act in accordance with the law while the judicial process runs its course.
Governor Dickson maintained that the NDC had already concluded its nomination processes nationwide and had successfully produced candidates for various elective positions through primaries monitored and documented by INEC.
He disclosed that the administrative process of uploading candidates to the INEC portal was already in progress, adding that the names of the party’s presidential candidate and himself had been uploaded, while that of the vice-presidential candidate would be submitted upon completion of the required documentation.
He also said the upload of candidates for other elective offices across the country was ongoing.
The NDC leader noted that the party remained fully compliant with the electoral timetable issued by INEC, explaining that there was sufficient time to complete the submission of candidates before the commission’s deadlines.
He said nominations for National Assembly candidates would close on July 11, while submissions for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates would end on July 17, urging party members and supporters not to panic.
Governor Dickson commended party aspirants for their participation in the primary elections, acknowledging that although the processes were not without challenges, the leadership had worked to address disputes arising from the exercise.
He disclosed that reconciliation efforts had commenced across the country to unite members ahead of the general election, assuring unsuccessful aspirants that they would remain integral to the party’s campaign structures and organisational activities.
He described party members and aspirants as the grassroots strength and backbone of the NDC, pledging that no one would be sidelined as preparations intensify for the polls.
Governor Dickson thanked Nigerians for their support and solidarity, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democratic system.
He also expressed appreciation to INEC, led by Professor Joash Amupitan, for what he described as the commission’s professionalism in implementing court directives, including the registration of the NDC and two other political parties.
The NDC National Leader further commended the commission’s decision to oppose legal attempts aimed at deregistering opposition parties and its recognition of the leadership of the ADC in compliance with court directives.
He called on political leaders, the judiciary, security agencies and electoral institutions to remain impartial and committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and national integrity.
Governor Dickson expressed confidence that the judiciary would fairly determine the appeal and related applications now before it.
“Our multi-party democracy must not die. We will not allow desperados and mercenaries parading as political leaders to destroy our hard-earned democracy,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to the democratic process, declaring that the NDC would continue to pursue its mandate through lawful means while awaiting the outcome of the judicial proceedings.
