NDC Legal Battle: Kwankwaso Reveals Next Step, Calls For Unity Among Obidients And Kwankwasiyya

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has appealed to members of the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement to remain calm following the court ruling that nullified an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Kwankwaso made the appeal in a statement posted on his account, expressing confidence that the party would challenge the decision through the courts.

The controversy arose after Justice Isa H. Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside his previous ruling on the grounds that it affected the legal interests of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC but was not joined as a party in the original suit.

Reacting to the judgment, Kwankwaso described the development as surprising, arguing that the court relied on the claims of an organisation that, according to him, has no legal existence as a registered political party.

He maintained that the NDC’s logo, which features a victory sign, is distinct from that of any other political party and therefore did not violate electoral regulations. He recalled that the party approached the Lokoja High Court in December after INEC declined its registration, adding that the court subsequently ruled in its favour and directed the commission to register the party.

According to Kwankwaso, INEC accepted the judgment, chose not to file an appeal and proceeded to register the NDC. He noted that since then, the electoral commission had monitored the party’s congresses, national convention and other official activities, which, in his view, demonstrated recognition of the party’s legal status.

He, however, expressed disappointment that the same court later reversed its earlier decision following an application filed by the Peace Movement Party, whose registration application had reportedly been rejected by INEC.

Kwankwaso said the ruling came as a shock not only to members of the NDC but also to other political stakeholders within and outside Nigeria. He questioned why the court would overturn its previous judgment based on the application of a group he claimed was neither a registered political party nor a recognised organisation.

Despite the setback, the former Kano State governor said the NDC remains committed to pursuing legal remedies. He disclosed that the party had resolved to immediately file an appeal and seek an order staying the execution of the judgment in an effort to preserve its registration.

He also urged supporters across the country, particularly members of the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, to remain peaceful and patient while the legal process runs its course.

Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the judiciary would ultimately deliver justice and restore the party’s registration in accordance with the law.