The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it has uploaded the name of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal following its decision to appeal a court judgment ordering the party’s deregistration.
The party disclosed that it has also filed an application for a stay of execution against the ruling and formally served the documents on the INEC Chairman, urging the commission to act in line with legal provisions.
NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, confirmed this in a statement on Monday, insisting that the party remains legally recognised and fully active in Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to Dickson, the party has already been granted access to the INEC portal to upload candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. He added that both his name and that of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have already been submitted, while the vice-presidential candidate’s details are expected to follow upon completion of documentation.
He maintained that the party has complied with INEC timelines, noting that nominations for National Assembly candidates will close on July 11, while governorship and state assembly submissions will end on July 17.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered party in Nigeria… nomination processes have already been concluded and candidates have emerged from the party for all offices across the country in primaries observed, monitored and recorded by INEC,” Dickson said.
He further explained that only administrative submission of names remains, adding that reconciliation efforts within the party are ongoing following its primaries. He also appealed to members to remain calm, assuring that unsuccessful aspirants would be integrated into campaign structures.
The party stated that the matter is now before the courts, where the appeal and stay of execution will determine the next legal steps regarding its status and participation in the 2027 elections.
The development comes amid ongoing legal and political disputes over the status of the NDC following the recent court ruling.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.