April 13, (THEWILL) —Amid the turmoil in the polity occasioned by the legal and political struggle between the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, following the arguable action of the INEC Chairman in delisting the names of the leaders of ADC, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, is poised to take a place under the political sun as it prepares to hold its congresses and national convention in the days ahead.
In preparation for the congresses, the party has elected National Vice-Chairmen in the six geo-political zones in the country and interim officials in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to National Chairman Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe and National Secretary Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the appointments are to “ensure balanced representation across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, South-South, South-East and South-West zones — reflecting the party’s commitment to a truly national reach and inclusive leadership.
The appointees are Mohammed Bakin Zuwo, National Vice Chairman, North-West. His counterparts are in the North-East, Dr. Danlami Arabs; South-South, Barr. Frederick Owotorufa; South-East, Chief Teddy Obey; North-Central, Chief Barnabas Ejisi and South-West, Pastor Adedayo Ekong
“These appointments form a critical part of the party’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its national structure ahead of the upcoming Congresses and National Convention,“ the statement said.
THEWILL gathered that this single political move has made the party very attractive for politicians as the next viable vehicle for many of them who are looking for a viable platform to translate their 2027 ambition into reality amid lingering crisis. Many aspirants and incumbents across political hierarchies are currently facing obstacles to their ambition for the upcoming general election either due to lingering crisis in many major political parties like the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, or re-election obstacles, like in the governing All Progressives Congress, APC where, despite repeated appeal for support to President Bola Tinibu by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, many federal lawmakers are having a running battle with state governors who want to send their loyalists to the National Assembly.
Coupled with the bold stride as shown in its preparation for its congress, the NDC has also brightened its brewing public relations deficit instigated by Dr Umar Ardo, a prominent big wig who had portrayed the party as illegally and dubiously registered by the INEC.
According to Ardo, a leading figure in the champion of the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, which had applied for INEC registration alongside 171 other political associations but failed to emerge as one of 14 shortlisted parties alongside NDC, had criticised the latter’s eventual registration as fraudulent.
He said that out of the 14 groups, only eight proceeded to the verification stage on INEC’s portal with ADA adhering to all requirements and actively participated in the process but was denied registration.
“It is shocking that a political association that did not submit an application was not shortlisted among the 14 and did not make the final eight, suddenly appeared with a registration certificate.”
Ardo rejected INEC’s explanation that the NDC was registered on the basis of a court order, describing the claim as untenable, while arguing that due judicial process would require proper filings and INEC’s participation in court proceedings.
“For a court to give such an order, there must have been submissions, and INEC must have been served and represented. We intend to obtain Certified True Copies of the court processes from the Federal High Court in Lokoja to understand what transpired,” he added.
Ardo likened the situation to awarding a contract to a bidder who did not participate in the bidding process, emphasizing that such actions undermined fairness and transparency. Stakeholders, who invested resources to meet INEC’s requirements but were excluded, have expressed frustration.
In his reaction last weekend, the national leader of NDC and the senator representing Bayelsa west at the National Assembly, senator Henry Seriake Dickson described Ardo statements as “misguided and sponsored propaganda” against the NDC. He even called Ardo a long-time friend and political ally.
According to Senator Dickson, Dr. Ardo’s continued criticism of the NDC, particularly given Dickson’s pivotal role as the party’s founder and leader, was disappointing. “It’s shocking and reflects a lack of respect for our friendship,” he stated.
Dickson clarified that the NDC’s journey began in 2017, well before Dr. Ardo considered forming the ADA. He explained that the registration process was halted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of immediate past INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. However, following the lifting of the registration embargo in 2025, the NDC renewed its application and was subsequently listed among 171 political associations.
Dickson detailed an unexpected setback when INEC declined their registration due to concerns that the NDC’s proposed logo—a two-finger sign—was similar to the All Progressives Congress (APC) logo. “We contested this decision, asserting that the logos were not alike, and even offered to modify ours, but INEC refused,” he recounted.
In response to this exclusion, the NDC pursued legal action, leading to a court ruling that upheld their rights to freedom of association. The court mandated INEC to register the NDC, a decision that has since been implemented.
“INEC has not appealed this judgement, and the window for appeal has closed. Only INEC, as the defendant, can contest the ruling, and they have chosen not to,” Dickson further said. Following the successful registration, the NDC promptly notified INEC and recently conducted its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, confirming its officers and scheduling upcoming congresses and primaries.
Senator Dickson added that Dr. Ardo was aware of these developments and wondered why NDC would be singled out for his criticism, disclosing their earlier discussions about the challenges faced in the political landscape. He noted that Dr. Ardo’s frustrations stem from his own party’s registration issues, which he had also encouraged him to address through legal means.
The Senator also debunked the notion that only NDC has been registered in recent times and in similar pattern.
“I am aware of the challenges he has in court as a result of disputes between him and his fellow promoters of the ADA and the NDC has nothing to do with this and, therefore, cannot bear any responsibilities for his disappointment and frustration.
A few weeks ago, INEC also registered the NDP, which was excluded but went to court and got a judgement. And again, INEC chairman and his team did not appeal against it but obeyed the order, registered the party and issued a certificate of registration,” he said and added that, “The NDC is therefore not the only party that was registered as a result of a court order. It is curious that Dr. Ardo is his vituperation, and said nothing about the NDP or other registered political parties.”
Senator Dickson said the party has taken off and nothing can stop it from participating in the 2027 general election and beyond, adding that he remains focused on fostering political progress and strengthening the party’s presence in Nigeria’s political arena.
Meanwhile, the party has continued to welcome defectors from major political parties ahead of its planned congresses and convention in the days ahead.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
