Oyo NDC candidate faults Lokoja Court judgment against party

A candidate for the House of Representatives representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oyo State for the Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, and Orire Federal Constituency, Dr. Kunle Adegbite, has condemned the recent ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The court set aside the earlier judgment that recognized the party, which he described as a dangerous development that could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

In his reaction to the judgment, Adegbite stated that the decision seems to align with an agenda aimed at reducing Nigeria to a one-party state. He warned that such a trend would be detrimental to the nation’s democratic growth.

He emphasized that the NDC was duly registered in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has consistently conducted its affairs in compliance with the guidelines and timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The Nigeria Democratic Congress is a law-abiding political party. Our registration followed due process and every activity we have undertaken has been in strict compliance with the provisions of the law and the timetable released by INEC. We remain committed to democratic principles and the rule of law,” he said.

Adegbite maintained that no judicial pronouncement would discourage members of the party from pursuing their democratic aspirations through lawful means, insisting that Nigerians deserve a vibrant political environment where all registered parties can compete fairly.

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He further condemned what he termed attempts to shrink the democratic space through actions capable of weakening opposition parties, stressing that democracy thrives on healthy political competition rather than the dominance of a single political platform.

“The attempt to create the impression of a one-party state is unacceptable in any democratic society. Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish where citizens have genuine political choices and where opposition parties are allowed to operate without intimidation or undue interference,” he stated.

The Oyo NDC chieftain, however, expressed confidence in the nation’s judicial process, assuring party members and supporters that the party would immediately challenge the ruling through all available legal channels.

“We have absolute confidence in the judiciary. The party will legally challenge this judgment at the appropriate appellate court, and we are optimistic that justice will ultimately prevail,” Adegbite added.

He called on members and supporters of the NDC across the country to remain calm, united and steadfast, assuring them that the leadership of the party remains committed to protecting its mandate and defending Nigeria’s democratic values through constitutional means.