“NDC Court Ruling: Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Plot to Weaken Opposition and Create One-Party State”

A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, on June 27 set aside its earlier December 2025 judgment that had compelled INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The ruling stemmed from a logo dispute with the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined in the original suit. The court ordered a return to pre-registration status and a fresh hearing with all parties.

NDC rejected the move as not amounting to outright deregistration, stating no direct order was issued to remove it from the register. The party plans to appeal immediately and affirmed it remains operational. INEC said it awaits the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before deciding next steps.

Reactions:

•  Former VP Atiku Abubakar (ADC) accused the Tinubu administration of undermining democracy and attempting to create a one-party state by weakening opposition ahead of 2027. He urged Tinubu to emulate ex-Presidents Buhari and Jonathan, who did not deregister parties.

•  Peter Obi and other opposition figures raised concerns about attempts to sideline them from the ballot.

•  Broader opposition warnings (e.g., ADC, PRP) about fears of further deregistrations and lack of trust in the administration on issues like state police.