Ado-Iliyasu Earlier NDC Prediction Vindicated As Appeal Court Upholds Party’s Registration

The earlier prediction by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senatorial District, Dr. Ado Iliyasu Kwali, MCArb, FICMC, that the party would remain on the ballot in the 2027 general elections has received fresh validation following the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The Court of Appeal has set aside the ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which had nullified an earlier decision concerning the registration of the NDC as a political party.

The appellate court's judgment has effectively overturned the Lokoja Federal High Court ruling that had created uncertainty over the NDC's participation in the 2027 elections.

Dr. Kwali, a World-Class Chartered Arbitrator, MCArb, FICMC, and President of the North Central People’s Development Initiative, had months earlier expressed confidence that the NDC would overcome the legal challenge and remain on the ballot in 2027.

Speaking during a television programme while discussing the legal dispute surrounding the party's registration, Dr. Kwali argued that the matter was fundamentally a question of law rather than speculation.

He questioned the legal basis upon which an organisation that was not a party to the original suit could seek to have the earlier decision concerning the NDC's registration set aside.

Dr. Kwali also made a distinction between a registered political party and an organisation seeking such recognition, arguing that only parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be described as political parties.

He maintained that the NDC would be on the ballot in 2027 and expressed confidence that the appellate court would ultimately set aside the Lokoja Federal High Court ruling.

Appeal Court Judgment

The NDC subsequently challenged the ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja at the Court of Appeal.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal set aside the Lokoja Federal High Court ruling, thereby removing the legal setback that had raised questions about the NDC's participation in the 2027 general elections.

The appellate court's decision has since been welcomed by members and supporters of the NDC, who view it as an important development in the party's preparations for the 2027 elections.

For Dr. Ado Iliyasu Kwali, the judgment has also brought renewed attention to his earlier confidence that the NDC would remain on the ballot despite the legal challenge.

His position was based on his interpretation of the legal issues surrounding the case, particularly the question of whether an organisation that was not a party to the original proceedings could successfully seek to set aside the earlier decision.

Months after making those remarks, the Court of Appeal has now set aside the ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

The development clears a significant legal hurdle for the NDC as it continues preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Kwali, who is seeking to represent the FCT Senatorial District, has continued to campaign around issues of justice, accountability, economic reform and people-centred governance.

With the Court of Appeal judgment, attention is now expected to shift further towards the NDC's preparations for the 2027 electoral contest and its campaign across the country.