BY: Oluwaseye Ogunsanya
Claim:
An X user claimed that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has court cases.
Verdict:
Misleading.
MISLEADING CLAIM
Claim:
An X user claimed that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is involved in ongoing court cases.
The claim emerges amid broader political realignments. Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, recently confirmed his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal crises and what he described as a hostile political environment.
Similarly, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso stated that he has yet to decide on his next political move, dismissing reports of a potential alignment with the ADC. He noted that the uncertainty within the party, following recent judicial developments, has prompted him to explore alternative political platforms.
The ADC itself has been entangled in a series of legal disputes. Most notably, the Supreme Court affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), while also returning the matter to the High Court for further proceedings.
Additionally, a Federal High Court ruling recently nullified the party’s congresses and national convention, while the Attorney General of the Federation has filed an application seeking the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties.
These developments have left the African Democratic Congress (ADC), once touted as a formidable opposition party, in a state of uncertainty and instability. This has positioned the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as an emerging alternative platform, with Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso among those reportedly aligning with the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The same claim can be found here, here, here and here.
Verification:
To verify the claim, FactCheckAfrica conducted a Google search which led to reports suggesting that the party is facing legal challenges regarding its registration. A closer review of one of the reports showed that the issue stemmed from concerns raised by the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) over the legitimacy of the registration process of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the report, promoters of the ADA allege that the NDC was registered through fraudulent means that bypassed the guidelines established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A key figure in the ADA, Dr. Umar Ardo, while appearing on Arise News Morning Show and Trust TV, criticised INEC for allegedly deviating from its procedures by registering a political party that he claims did not undergo the official screening process.
Ardo stated that 171 political associations initially expressed interest in registration, but only 14 were shortlisted by INEC. On September 15, 2025, the commission published the list of these 14 associations, which advanced to the next stage involving nationwide verification of their offices.
He rejected INEC’s explanation that the NDC was registered based on a court order, describing the claim as untenable. He argued that due process would require proper filings and INEC’s participation in the court proceedings.
In response, the NDC maintained that its registration followed due process, citing a Federal High Court order directing INEC to register the party.
According to a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC’s registration process dates back to 2017, when it first applied alongside several other associations seeking recognition as political parties. He explained that after INEC declined to advance its application over concerns about the similarity of its logo to that of another party, the NDC sought legal redress. The court ruled that the logos were distinct and held that denying registration on that basis infringed on the party’s right to freedom of association.
“The court subsequently ordered INEC to register the NDC, and the commission complied with that directive,” the statement said.
However, the decision was not appealed within the stipulated timeframe.
This position was further corroborated by the party’s founder and National Leader, Seriake Dickson, who stated that INEC complied with the court order and issued the party a certificate of registration.
“INEC did not and has not appealed this judgment, and the period of appeal has elapsed. No one, except INEC, has the locus standi to appeal,” he added.
He concluded that the party has since commenced formal activities, including notifying INEC of its National Executive Committee meeting.
Conclusion
Findings show that claims of ongoing court cases involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are not supported by evidence of active litigation against the party. The available reports indicate that the legal issue surrounding the NDC’s registration stemmed from a past court process, which resulted in a Federal High Court order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
