Dickson Dismisses Defection Fears; Urges Obi, Kwankwaso To Stay In NDC
Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged presidential candidate Peter Obi and running mate Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso to remain committed to the party following a Federal High Court ruling questioning its registration. Speaking on Channels Television, Dickson dismissed reports of planned defections and encouraged members to stay focused despite the legal challenge in Lokoja.
Dismissing the significance of the judgment by Justice Isah Dashen, the NDC leader confirmed that the party's legal team is actively addressing the registration issues. He assured candidates and supporters that the party's 2027 electoral ambitions remain fully on track.
The Federal High Court has set aside its December 2025 judgment ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party. Justice Dashen ruled that the initial decision, which improperly allowed the use of a logo claimed by the Peace Movement Party, was invalid because the party was not included in the original lawsuit
Reacting to concerns that the ruling could destabilise the party, Dickson insisted that the judgment was only intended to create panic and discourage members.
He maintained that all NDC candidates had already emerged through the party’s processes and would eventually be uploaded to INEC’s portal for the 2027 general election.
“That is what this kind of kangaroo situation is intended to achieve. But I’m here to assure all members. Our candidates are steadfast, and they know the steps the party is taking.
“In no distant time, they will be uploaded and will be on the ballot. There is nothing to fear.”
The former Bayelsa State governor said the party expected more legal challenges but would not be distracted.
He assured members that the NDC remained a legally recognised political party and would not be deregistered, stressing that justice would prevail through the judicial process.
Dickson also ruled out any immediate move to petition Justice Dashen before the National Judicial Council, saying the party preferred to challenge the judgment through the appellate courts.
While expressing disappointment over the ruling, he said he still had confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary and believed higher courts would correct what he described as a serious judicial error.
The NDC leader disclosed that the party would file its appeal on Monday, insisting that the Lokoja judgment neither deregistered the party nor prevented it from participating in the 2027 general election.