National leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has condemned a Federal High Court ruling that nullified an earlier order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party, describing the decision as a politically motivated attack on the NDC.

Dickson reacted after the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, set aside its December 10, 2025 judgment that had compelled INEC to register the NDC as a political party.

In the ruling delivered in suit number FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, Justice Isah Dashen held that the earlier judgment was reached without hearing all necessary parties, making the proceedings constitutionally defective.

The court’s decision followed an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it had a legal interest in the matter and should have been joined in the original suit. The judge also ruled that material facts were not disclosed during the earlier proceedings and ordered that the case be heard afresh with INEC, the PMP and the NDC joined as parties.

Reacting to the judgment, Dickson said the ruling lacked legal merit and was designed to undermine the party’s achievements.

“All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand,” he said.

The former Bayelsa State governor described the judgment as anti-democratic and contrary to the principles of multi-party democracy.

According to him, the NDC has assembled a legal team to challenge the ruling and urged members and supporters to remain calm.

Dickson also questioned the legitimacy of the applicant behind the court action, alleging that the group was an unregistered association with no legal interest in the case.

“We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack,” he said.

“We know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period as a result of our hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy.

“We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue.”

He further accused Justice Dashen of making a legal error and vowed to pursue all available judicial remedies.

“We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it,” he said.

Reassuring party supporters, Dickson maintained that the NDC remained focused despite the setback.

“We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win,” he stated.

He also claimed that the court ruling had generated increased public support for the party, with thousands of Nigerians reportedly registering as NDC members in solidarity.

“I sincerely thank Nigerians for the confidence they continue to repose in the NDC. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our vision only strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria,” Dickson said.