Founder and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has reassured party members and supporters that the party remains legally recognised and fully committed to participating in the forthcoming elections despite the recent court ruling affecting its status.
Dickson disclosed that the NDC has filed a notice of appeal against the judgment alongside an application for a stay of execution, adding that the legal documents have been formally served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a request for the electoral body to act in accordance with the law.
According to him, the NDC remains a duly registered political party and has already completed its nomination processes across the country.
He explained that candidates for various elective positions emerged through party primaries conducted under the supervision and monitoring of INEC officials.
He noted that the remaining task is the administrative submission of candidates’ names through INEC’s online portal, revealing that the commission has already granted the party access to complete the exercise.
Dickson confirmed that both his name and that of the party’s presidential candidate have already been uploaded to the INEC portal, while the vice-presidential candidate’s details would be submitted after the completion of necessary documentation.
He added that the uploading of names for other candidates was also progressing across the country.
The former Bayelsa State governor urged party faithful to remain calm, stressing that the NDC is working within the timetable released by INEC.
He said the party still has sufficient time to submit the names of National Assembly candidates before the July 11 deadline, while the submission of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates would continue until July 17.
Addressing concerns arising from the party’s primary elections, Dickson acknowledged that although the exercises were not without challenges, efforts were underway to reconcile aggrieved aspirants and strengthen party unity.
He commended all aspirants for their commitment and sacrifice, assuring those who did not secure tickets that they would remain integral to the party’s campaign structures, committees and grassroots mobilisation efforts.
Dickson also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their support and solidarity, describing the NDC as a growing political platform determined to deepen democratic values in the country.
He praised INEC for what he described as its professionalism in implementing court directives relating to the registration of the NDC and other political parties, while urging the commission, the judiciary and security agencies to remain impartial in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.
Expressing confidence in the judicial system, Dickson said the party now awaits the outcome of its appeal and expects the courts to determine the matter strictly in line with the law.
He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and called on political leaders and institutions to protect the nation’s democratic gains.
