The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has confirmed that it has filed an appeal against the Federal High Court judgment that set aside its registration, insisting that the party remains legally recognised.
The party's National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, disclosed this on Monday, saying its legal team filed the notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lokoja, Kogi State.
According to him, the party will soon serve the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the appeal documents.
"Our legal team was in Lokoja today, and we successfully filed the appeal. The next step is to serve INEC," he said.
Director dismissed reports suggesting that the NDC had been deregistered, describing such claims as misleading.
He said there was no reason for members, supporters or candidates to panic, adding that the party remains listed on INEC's official portal.
"We are not in panic mode. Our candidates have nothing to fear. The NDC is still a registered political party, and this is reflected on the INEC portal," he stated.
He also clarified that the legal dispute was centred on the party's logo and not its registration as a political party.
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"The impression being created is incorrect. The case only challenged the use of our logo. It does not mean the party has been deregistered.
"We appreciate our members, supporters and Nigerians for standing by us during this period," he added.
The appeal follows a series of emergency meetings involving the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader Seriake Dickson, members of the National Working Committee and other senior party officials.
The meetings were held to finalise the party's legal strategy after the Federal High Court in Lokoja nullified its earlier judgment directing INEC to register the NDC.
Despite the ruling, the party insists it remains a lawful political platform and is confident the Court of Appeal will overturn the judgment. It also assured all its candidates that they remain eligible to participate in the 2027 general elections while the appeal is pending.
