NDC Rejects Court Ruling as Analysts Warn Against Threats to Nigeria's Democratic Space

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that reportedly set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.

The party described the judgment as an attempt to shrink Nigeria's democratic space, arguing that the trial court lacked the jurisdiction to revisit a final and unchallenged decision. It also indicated its intention to challenge the ruling through the appellate courts.

Reacting to the development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration of attempting to undermine Nigeria's democracy by allegedly seeking to weaken opposition parties. He warned that such actions could pave the way for a one-party state.

INEC, however, stated that it was studying the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before taking any decision on the matter.

Speaking on the controversy, political analyst Professor Anthony Kila said there was no concrete evidence that the ruling party had influenced the court's decision. However, he noted that the "optics are bad" and could fuel public suspicion about the state of Nigeria's democracy.

Professor Kila expressed concern over what he described as the increasing involvement of the judiciary in political disputes, warning that excessive judicial intervention in electoral matters could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.

He argued that regulators and courts should adopt an approach that strengthens, rather than weakens, democratic institutions, especially when dealing with major political parties. According to him, decisions affecting the country's political landscape should be guided by the broader national interest and the need to preserve democratic competition.

The political analyst also stressed that political parties must improve their internal governance by ensuring transparent primaries, adherence to party rules, and compliance with electoral laws. He maintained that while political parties should be held accountable, regulatory actions should not unnecessarily undermine democratic participation.

Professor Kila called on political leaders across party lines to defend Nigeria's democratic institutions, emphasizing that democracy thrives when all eligible political parties are allowed to compete on a level playing field and elections are decided by the choices of the electorate.