Bauchi NDC dismisses deregistration claims as party heads to appeal court
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Abdullahi Maigari, has reassured members and supporters that the party remains legally recognised and operational despite a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
Maigari, in a statement issued in Bauchi on Sunday, said the party had already appealed the judgment in line with the directive of its National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe.
He expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling and uphold the rule of law.
According to him, the court’s decision stemmed from an application filed by the Peace Movement Party and was neither an appeal against the judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC nor a substantive suit challenging the party’s legal existence.
He maintained that the NDC had not been deregistered and continued to enjoy legal recognition, insisting that the party had complied with all constitutional and electoral requirements since its registration.
Maigari said the party had established functional structures across the country, conducted congresses and conventions, participated in INEC activities and successfully concluded its primaries in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
He urged party members and supporters in Bauchi State to remain calm, united and focused, warning them against misinformation, political propaganda and intimidation.
“The legal process is ongoing, and we are confident that justice will prevail at the appellate court,” he said.
The chairman also stressed that no individual or group should use the judiciary to undermine democracy or deny Nigerians credible political alternatives.
He commended Dickson, Zuwoghe and the party’s Zonal Chairman, Dr. Danlami Arabs, for their leadership and resilience in steering the party through the legal challenge.
Maigari thanked the people of Bauchi State for their continued support, expressing optimism that the NDC would emerge stronger and remain committed to providing a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
