The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored access to its candidate nomination portal for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), easing concerns over the party’s participation in the ongoing electoral process.
The development was confirmed on Tuesday by the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, who described it as a major step forward amid the legal dispute surrounding the party’s status.
According to Dickson, the restoration followed the party’s decision to challenge the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja. He disclosed that the NDC had filed a notice of appeal alongside an application for stay of execution, insisting that the party remains legally recognised.
He explained that all relevant legal documents had already been served on INEC with a formal request urging the commission to act in line with the law while the appeal is being determined.
Dickson maintained that the NDC remains a valid political party and has participated fully in the electoral process so far, including the conduct of primaries monitored by INEC officials.
“Today, the NDC has filed an appeal against the ruling as well as a stay of execution/injunction, which has been served with a covering letter to the INEC chairman and his team to do what is right according to law and what is legally sensible.”
He stressed that the party had completed its nomination process and successfully produced candidates for various elective offices across the country.
According to him, the remaining process is largely administrative, involving the formal submission of candidates’ names through INEC’s nomination portal.
“The Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered party in Nigeria which has participated in all the political processes so far.”
Dickson further revealed that his name and that of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had already been uploaded to the commission’s portal.
He added that the vice-presidential candidate’s details would be submitted after completion of necessary documentation, while submissions for other candidates were also ongoing.
“My name and that of the presidential candidate have been uploaded to the INEC portal, while that of the vice presidential candidate will be done tomorrow upon completion of the deposition. The process is also ongoing for other candidates.”
The former Bayelsa State governor called on party members and supporters to remain calm, assuring them that there was still enough time to complete all submissions within the electoral timetable released by INEC.
He noted that the party remained fully committed to meeting all deadlines and complying with electoral guidelines.
“In accordance with the INEC timetable, which we have religiously abided by, we have between now and the 11th of next month to upload all National Assembly candidates, while those of governors and State Houses of Assembly will end on the 17th of July.”
“So there is enough time for all candidates’ names to be submitted to INEC and there is no reason for anyone to panic.”
Dickson also used the opportunity to address concerns arising from internal disagreements following the party primaries.
He appealed to aspirants who did not secure tickets to remain loyal to the party and support its broader political objectives.
According to him, reconciliation efforts had already commenced to ensure unity ahead of the elections.
“The reconciliation processes have started and we expect them to reach everyone. We assure them that all those who expressed interest will be carried along in the party’s campaigns, committees and structures because they constitute the grassroots strength and the backbone of our party.”
He also commended INEC for what he described as professionalism in handling the matter, while expressing confidence that the judiciary would resolve the legal dispute fairly.
“We thank INEC, led by Professor Joash Amupitan, for their professionalism so far, and we expect them to continue on this path.”
“Having filed and served our appeal and the accompanying applications, the ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law.”
The restoration of access comes days after uncertainty emerged over the party’s legal standing following the Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja.
Despite the court judgment, the NDC has continued to insist that it remains legally recognised and operational pending the final determination of its appeal.
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