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The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has declared that the party remains a duly registered political platform and will continue to participate fully in the ongoing electoral process despite a recent court ruling challenging its status.

Dickson disclosed on Monday, June 29, 2026 that the NDC had formally filed an appeal against the judgment and secured a stay of execution application, which has already been served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement posted on his X handle, the former Bayelsa State governor said the party had also written to the INEC Chairman and his management team, urging them to act in accordance with the law while the appeal process is underway.

According to him, the NDC has already concluded its nomination processes across the country, with candidates emerging from primaries that were observed, monitored and documented by INEC.

“The Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered party in Nigeria which has participated in all the political processes so far,” Dickson stated.

He revealed that the party had already been granted access to INEC’s portal for the submission of candidates, adding that his name and that of the party’s presidential candidate had been successfully uploaded, while the vice-presidential candidate’s details would be uploaded upon completion of necessary documentation.

Dickson stressed that there was no cause for alarm, noting that the INEC timetable still provides ample time for the submission of candidates’ names.

He explained that the deadline for National Assembly candidates is July 11, while governorship and State House of Assembly candidates can be uploaded until July 17.

“There is enough time for all candidates’ names to be submitted to INEC and there is no reason for anyone to panic,” he assured party members and supporters.

The NDC leader also acknowledged that the party’s primary elections were not without challenges but described the process as a significant achievement for a relatively new political organisation handling a large number of aspirants nationwide.

He said reconciliation efforts had commenced to address grievances arising from the primaries and pledged that all aspirants, whether successful or not, would be integrated into the party’s campaign structures and committees.

Dickson described the aspirants and party faithful as the grassroots strength and backbone of the NDC, assuring them that no stakeholder would be sidelined.

In a strongly worded defence of Nigeria’s democratic system, Dickson warned against attempts to undermine the country’s multi-party democracy.

“Our multi-party democracy must not die. We will not allow desperados and mercenaries parading as political leaders to destroy our hard-earned democracy,” he declared.

The former senator also commended INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, for what he described as professionalism in carrying out the commission’s constitutional responsibilities.

He praised the commission for registering the NDC and two other political parties in compliance with court directives and noted INEC’s legal opposition to attempts aimed at deregistering opposition parties.

Dickson further cited the commission’s decision to recognise the leadership of former Senate President David Mark in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following a court order as evidence of its commitment to the rule of law.

While acknowledging imperfections within Nigeria’s democratic institutions, he called on political leaders to unite in safeguarding the neutrality and integrity of the judiciary, electoral body and security agencies.

“Having filed and served our appeal and the accompanying applications, the ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law,” he said.

He concluded by expressing confidence in the survival of the NDC and Nigeria’s democracy, thanking Nigerians for their support, solidarity and prayers as the legal battle continues.