The Zamfara State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Garba Maikatako, has dismissed reports alleging that the party has been deregistered, insisting that it remains a legally recognised and fully operational political party.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Maikatako described the recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja as a temporary legal setback that does not affect the party’s legal status or continued existence.
He said the party’s National Leader and National Chairman had already clarified that the NDC had not been deregistered and remains committed to democratic governance and national development.
“For clarification on the party’s legal status, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) remains a legally recognised, fully operational and vibrant political party,” he said.
Maikatako maintained that the court ruling, which followed an application filed by the Peace Movement Party, was not a final judgment on the existence of the NDC.
According to him, the case was neither an appeal against any judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nor a substantive suit challenging the party’s legal recognition.
“The recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which arose from a spurious application by an obscure association known as the Peace Movement Party, is merely a temporary legal hurdle, not a death knell,” he stated.
While expressing respect for the judiciary, he said the party disagrees with the ruling and remains confident that the legal process will ultimately affirm its position.
Maikatako urged members of the party across Zamfara State and supporters nationwide to remain calm, united and committed to the ideals of democracy.
He reaffirmed that the NDC remains focused on serving Nigerians and will continue to carry out its political activities in accordance with the law, despite what it described as misleading reports about its status.
NDC Not Deregistered, Remains Legally Recognised — Zamfara Chairman
