By Sanni Onogu, Abuja
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reaffirmed that its registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) followed due process.
The party cited a Federal High Court’s order that directed the commission to list the party.
In a statement by its National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the party said it was responding to concerns raised by Dr. Umar Ardo on the circumstances of its registration.
Enekweizu explained that the NDC’s registration process dates back to 2017, when it first applied alongside several other associations seeking recognition as political parties.
According to him, the party approached the court after INEC declined to advance its application, citing concerns over the similarity of its logo to that of another political party.
The NCD national secretary said the matter was contested in court, where INEC’s legal team participated in the proceedings.
The court, he added, ruled that the logos were distinct and held that denying registration on that basis infringed on the party’s right to freedom of association.
“The court subsequently ordered INEC to register the NDC, and the commission complied with that directive,” the statement said.
It noted that the decision was not appealed within the stipulated timeframe.
The NDC stated that it has since begun full political activities, including holding its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting after notifying INEC in line with regulatory requirements.
The commission, it added, monitored the meeting.
The party also announced that it had submitted notices for its upcoming congresses and national convention.
Enekweizu said NDC members and leaders were actively engaging citizens across the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to expand the party’s presence.
He expressed appreciation for what he called growing public interest in the party, attributing it to its leadership and policy direction.
The NDC maintained that its emergence reflected adherence to constitutional provisions and the rule of law, emphasizing its commitment to democratic principles and multiparty participation in Nigeria’s political space.
Source: The Nation News