The internal crises of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are creeping along with former governors Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to their new political platform, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) faces immediate scrutiny over its court-ordered registration and potential legal non-compliance. The new platform was registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a court order.
?A review of the commission’s website indicates that the party’s national executives are listed with ‘court order’ annotations attached to their names. This suggests judicial intervention was necessary for the party to gain official recognition.
?Obi and Kwankwaso formally exited the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday. They immediately aligned with the NDC, marking a significant shift in opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
?In a statement announcing his departure, Obi cited a ‘toxic’ political environment and persistent internal instability within the ADC. The party has been grappling with a protracted leadership crisis, which led INEC to derecognise its national executives in early April.
?The commission only reinstated the David Mark-led leadership last Thursday following a Supreme Court of Nigeria ruling. However, the apex court also directed parties to return to the Federal High Court to resolve substantive issues, a development legal experts say could prolong the dispute.
?Despite presenting itself as a fresh platform, findings indicate the NDC may face its own legal complications. BusinessDay checks revealed that the court-order designation on the INEC portal could point to pending or previously contested litigation.
?Legal history and registration hurdles
?INEC announced the registration of the NDC in February alongside the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA). This brought the total number of political parties in Nigeria to 21.
?The party’s registration process dates back to 2017. Its initial application was denied by INEC over concerns that its logo closely resembled that of another political party, a dispute that was subsequently taken to court.
?Seriake Dickson, the party promoter and former Bayelsa State governor, said the court eventually ruled in favour of the organisation. Dickson noted that the court upheld their fundamental right to freedom of association and directed INEC to formalise their status.
?Compliance issues emerge over dual membership
?The electoral body complied with the judgment and issued a certificate of registration. Dickson added that no appeal was filed within the stipulated timeframe.
?However, further scrutiny of INEC records shows a potential compliance issue involving NDC national legal adviser Reuben Egwuaba. Egwuaba is also listed in the same capacity for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
?This appears to contravene Section 77 of the Electoral Act, which prohibits dual party membership and prescribes sanctions for violations. The development raises fresh questions about the legal standing of the NDC as it emerges as a rallying point for key opposition figures.
?Analysts divided over party viability
?Political observers have offered divergent views on the party’s legal standing and political viability. Former presidential candidate Chekas Okotie defended the legality of the registration, insisting it followed due process and was backed by a substantive judgment.
?Okotie stressed that the judgment was not merely an interlocutory order. He further dismissed claims of ongoing litigation, maintaining that the matter had been conclusively settled.
‘There’s a judgment… not just an interim order… that compelled INEC to register NDC,’ Okotie said.
?Political scientist and former federal lawmaker Bernardo Mikko cautioned against the growing reliance on courts to resolve political disputes. Mikko argued that excessive judicial intervention could distort Nigeria’s multi-party system and create perceptions of bias.
‘Not everything they have to run to the court. The courts cannot run our political parties for us,’ Mikko said. ‘As an APC member, I want us to win fair and square… otherwise it would not be fair to Nigerians, including myself.’
?Long-term stability remains uncertain
?Political analyst Jackson Lekan Ojo expressed scepticism about the long-term stability of the NDC. Ojo suggested that the same pressures affecting other opposition parties could resurface, warning that structural weaknesses could expose leaders to further setbacks.
?Ojo questioned the strategic judgment of opposition leaders aligning with a platform that has a history of legal disputes. He was also critical of the political class, accusing actors of lacking ideological consistency.
?’They are not serious-minded politicians,’ Ojo concluded.
‘They are just looking for any place where they can achieve their aim and objective. Problems are waiting for them at the corner of any political party… they know that they are all vulnerable to all these attacks.’