….alleges plot to cripple opposition ahead of 2027
The caucus argued that the decision was not merely an error of law but ‘an assault on democracy’ and ‘a calculated pattern of judicial harassment.'”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The House of Representatives Caucus of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the Lokoja Federal High Court ruling setting aside the judgment that led to the party’s registration, describing it as “judicial banditry” and an attempted coup against Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Leader of the NDC Caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, the lawmakers rejected what they described as an attempt to strip the party of its legal recognition, insisting that the ruling formed part of a broader campaign to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The caucus argued that the decision was not merely an error of law but “an assault on democracy” and “a calculated pattern of judicial harassment.”
According to the lawmakers, Nigerians had witnessed similar attempts in the past, recalling that an earlier controversial judgment in Abuja sought to deregister five political parties before it was overturned by the Court of Appeal.
“The Court of Appeal promptly reversed that recklessness, affirming that no court can extinguish a political party through judicial shortcuts. Many Nigerians believed at the time that such an ugly chapter was closed. Sadly, today’s ruling confirms a renewed campaign to suffocate opposition by other means,” the statement said.
The caucus questioned the legal basis of the Lokoja court’s decision, noting that the statutory 90-day period for challenging the NDC’s registration had expired.
It also argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the constitutionally recognised body responsible for registering political parties, was not the party challenging the registration.
“A court cannot sit in judgment over its own earlier judgment, particularly one in which the principal party, INEC itself, is not contesting,” the lawmakers stated.
The caucus further accused those behind the case of engaging in “forum shopping,” alleging that rather than pursuing an appeal, the matter was deliberately returned to the same court that had earlier ordered INEC to register the NDC.
“That is not jurisprudence; it is lawfare, the weaponisation of the judiciary against political opponents,” it said.
The lawmakers also questioned the timing of the ruling, noting that it was delivered on the day INEC was expected to issue access codes to political parties for the upload of candidates for the 2027 general elections.
“To target the NDC at the precise moment the electoral process entered this critical phase is not coincidental. It is calculated, deliberate and despicable,” the statement added.
The caucus directly accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating what it described as an anti-democratic plot aimed at excluding credible opposition parties from the 2027 elections.
“We make bold to say that this is all about 2027, not the law, and never justice. We hold the ruling APC directly responsible for this anti-democratic plot. The objective is clear: to muscle the opposition out of the 2027 elections and reduce Nigeria’s democracy to a coronation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the lawmakers alleged.
The caucus challenged the APC to face the electorate rather than resort to litigation.
“If you believe in your record, come to the ballot. Why are you afraid of competition? Why has the courtroom replaced the campaign trail?” it asked.
Reaffirming the party’s resolve, the lawmakers said the NDC would challenge the ruling through all available legal channels up to the Supreme Court if necessary.
They warned that allowing the ruling to stand could trigger a major political crisis and erode public confidence in both the judiciary and INEC.
The caucus also urged NDC members nationwide to remain calm, law-abiding and steadfast, insisting that no court order could extinguish the party’s resolve ahead of the 2027 elections.