Senator Seriake Dickson, national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has stated that the party remains open to discussions with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made this known on Sunday, June 28, 2026, while reacting to a federal high court ruling that set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Court Vacates Previous Judgment on NDC Registration
The federal high court in Lokoja, Kogi State, vacated its December 10, 2025 judgment that had compelled INEC to register the NDC. Delivering the ruling in suit number FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, presiding judge Isah Dashen held that the earlier judgment was delivered without hearing all necessary parties, rendering the proceedings constitutionally defective.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the ruling followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it had a legal interest in the matter and ought to have been joined in the suit before the judgment was delivered. The judge also noted that material facts were not disclosed during the earlier proceedings and ordered that the substantive suit begin afresh, with INEC, the PMP, and the NDC joined as parties.
Dickson Expresses Disappointment but Keeps Coalition Door Open
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program, Dickson expressed disappointment with the court’s ruling but emphasized the NDC’s willingness to engage with other opposition parties. He said, “As an opposition leader, we will be open. Our party, the NDC, will be open to conversations within that space. But it is not for me or anyone to pre-empt those discussions. We hope that whatever discussions take place will lead to the NDC candidates being backed because we know the value of the candidates we are putting forward.”
Dickson further stated, “We are not claiming superiority. After the nomination process has ended, we will move into another phase of discussions. Whether there will be an agreement, I don’t know. We will try. Where it will lead, I don’t know, but all those are options that remain open.”
Background: Opposition Coalition Formed Under ADC
In 2025, an opposition coalition was formed under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a rescue mission to restore hope, democracy, and accountable leadership in Nigeria. The NDC’s presidential candidate for 2027, Peter Obi, initially joined the ADC coalition but left in early May 2026 to team up with the Dickson-led NDC. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the presidential candidate of the ADC.
Obi Vows to Remain on Ballot Despite Court Setback
Following the court’s decision, Peter Obi vowed that he will be on the ballot for the 2027 elections. He accused the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government of “doing everything possible to stop me from becoming a candidate in this 2027 election.” The NDC continues to explore legal and political options to secure its participation in the upcoming polls.
