The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining Nigeria’s democracy through what it described as politically motivated court actions aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing journalists at the party’s state headquarters in Jos, the Plateau State Chairman of the NDC, Comrade Solomon Ndam, insisted that the party remains legally registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) despite a recent Federal High Court judgment delivered in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Ndam described the June 26, 2026 judgment as “illegal and organised,” alleging that it was procured by a group known as the Peace Movement Party, which he claimed is neither a registered political party nor a legally recognised organisation.

“Our party filed an appeal against the ruling on June 29, along with a stay of execution and injunction, which have been served on the INEC Chairman. The good news is that there is no court order directing the deregistration of the NDC,” he said.

He disclosed that INEC had already granted the party access to its candidate nomination portal, enabling it to begin uploading candidates in line with the commission’s timetable.

“Our presidential candidate was uploaded yesterday, June 29. We have until July 11 to upload National Assembly candidates and July 17 for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates,” Ndam stated.

The NDC chairman recalled that the party secured its registration following a Federal High Court judgment delivered on December 10, 2025, after a prolonged legal battle with INEC.

According to him, the commission, under former Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, initially declined to register the party on the grounds that its logo resembled that of the APC before the court ruled in the party’s favour.

“The Federal High Court affirmed that the NDC had met all constitutional requirements, and INEC under Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) complied with the judgment by registering the party,” he said.

Ndam further claimed that the NDC has since registered more than 13 million members nationwide and successfully conducted ward, local government, state and national congresses, as well as primaries for all elective positions in accordance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

While commending INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan for what he described as professionalism, he urged the electoral umpire to continue acting in accordance with the law.

“We thank the INEC Chairman for his professionalism so far, and we expect him to continue on this path,” he said.

Ndam alleged that the APC was deploying judicial processes to frustrate opposition parties, citing similar challenges allegedly faced by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and now the NDC.

“The 2027 election is not merely a political contest; it is a referendum on whether this country is capable of democratic self-correction. Peter Obi represents something that frightens certain interests because he is not a product of the same political machine that has recycled power for decades,” he said.

He called on the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and the media to demand transparency over the emergence and activities of the Peace Movement Party.

“Who funds it? Who revived it after years of dormancy? Who paid the filing fees? These are legitimate questions of public interest in a democracy where judicial processes are being weaponised against the opposition,” Ndam said.

He warned the APC against actions capable of weakening democratic institutions.

“The APC should not kill democracy. If previous leaders had done what is happening now, you would not be in power,” he said.

Turning to Plateau State, Ndam criticised the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, alleging that it had failed to tackle insecurity and deliver meaningful development.

He claimed that about 10 per cent of Plateau residents were living in internally displaced persons’ camps due to persistent attacks and accused the government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.

“The NDC is well rooted on the Plateau because of the failure of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who, after three years in office, has not commissioned a capital project. We are ready to provide answers to the unresolved issues of over 4,000 sacked workers, insecurity, agriculture and education,” he stated.

He urged Plateau residents and Nigerians to support the NDC, describing it as a platform committed to equal opportunities and good governance.

“We urge our citizens to embrace the new brand called the NDC for a better Plateau where every life matters and everyone has equal opportunity,” Ndam said. (Channels TV)

Update news