The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned a reported Federal High Court order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and multiparty system.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said it was still awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment but expressed concern over its implications.
“We have read media reports of the order of the Federal High Court, sitting in Lokoja, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the National Democratic Coalition (NDC),” the statement said.
“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.”
The PDP argued that the ruling was troubling, noting that many Nigerians had already invested resources in pursuing political ambitions under the platform of the NDC.
“This is particularly disturbing, coming after Nigerians had expended their resources to aspire to various elective offices under the platform of the NDC.”
The opposition party further described the reported order as an attack on multiparty democracy and an “economic loss” to citizens who supported the party.
According to the PDP, although the matter was decided in court, it reflects what it called a wider pattern aimed at weakening opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This situation, though activated through the court, fits neatly into the playbook of the APC-led Federal Government, which appears unwilling to allow the survival of a genuine opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, in order to pave the way for the President’s unchallenged re-election.”
The party also accused the government of undermining political competition and fairness in the democratic process.
“The absurdities that have occurred under the APC Federal Government clearly demonstrate its disdain for fair political competition, which is most unfortunate.”
The PDP urged the leadership of the NDC to challenge the order through legal means while seeking public support for democratic stability.
“The leadership of the genuine Peoples Democratic Party urges the leadership of the NDC to vigorously challenge this order within the ambit of the law while seeking the support of the Nigerian people in the struggle for democratic consolidation.”
It also called on the Federal Government to take steps to reduce political tension and protect Nigeria’s democratic system.
“The Federal Government must take practical steps to reduce the political temperature of the country in the interest of peace, stability, and the preservation of democracy,” the statement added.
