The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its allies on Friday warned against what they described as growing threats to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, insisting that President Bola Tinubu must face credible challengers in the 2027 presidential election.
The warning followed a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that set aside an earlier judgment which led to the registration of the NDC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Addressing an emergency press conference in Abuja, the National Chairman of the NDC said the party would immediately challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal, maintaining that the judgment neither deregistered the party nor halted its participation in the 2027 electoral process.
According to him, the decision raises concerns about efforts to limit political competition at a time Nigerians are expecting a vibrant democratic contest.
“Nigerians deserve a genuine multiparty democracy where all qualified political parties and candidates are free to participate in the 2027 general elections,” he said.
The chairman noted that the NDC had, since its registration, conducted congresses across the country, held a national convention, participated in INEC activities and completed primary elections for various offices.
He added that the party was already processing the submission of candidates for the governorship, National Assembly and presidential elections.
While expressing confidence in the appellate courts, the NDC leader argued that the ruling would not derail the party’s preparations.
“The Federal High Court is not the final court in the land. We will pursue this matter through the appellate process and are confident that justice will prevail,” he said.
The controversy also drew reactions from prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, who described the development as a test of the judiciary’s independence and credibility.
According to her, the issues raised by the ruling go beyond the fortunes of a single political party and touch on the broader health of Nigeria’s democracy.
“This is the time for the judiciary to show Nigerians and the world that its independence remains intact. This is not something any Nigerian should ignore,” she said.
Yesufu argued that attempts to weaken opposition platforms often have the unintended effect of energising supporters and increasing public interest in alternative political movements.
She urged members of the NDC to remain focused on grassroots mobilisation and voter engagement ahead of the elections.
Also reacting, leader of the Peter for Nigeria Movement, Peter Ahmeh, warned against any attempt to create a political environment where voters are denied meaningful alternatives.
He insisted that democracy thrives on competition and choice, not political exclusion.
“Nigeria can never be a one-party state. In 2027, Nigerians must have options. Tinubu will not run alone. Peter Obi will be on the ballot, the NDC will be on the ballot, and every other qualified candidate will be on the ballot,” Ahmeh declared.
He questioned the legal basis of the ruling and called on the judiciary to safeguard democratic values and public confidence in the electoral process.
Ahmeh also urged the ruling party to focus on defending its record in office rather than engaging in battles with opposition platforms.
For the NDC, however, the immediate priority remains its legal challenge and ongoing election preparations.
The party disclosed that it would continue with the submission of candidates to INEC and assured supporters that all nominations already conducted remain valid.
“Our platform remains lawful and legitimate. There is no cause for panic. We remain committed to democracy and to offering Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027,” the chairman said.
The latest controversy has added a fresh dimension to the political debate ahead of the next general election, with opposition groups increasingly framing the contest as a battle over the future of Nigeria’s democratic space as much as a contest for political power.