“We Know Why We Are Under Attack, And Who Are After Us” – Dickson, NDC National Leader

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, has vowed that the party will not allow the orchestrated judicial hurdles placed on its path to weigh it down or distract it from the task ahead.

This is as he expressed the party’s unflinching commitment and determination to explore all available legal options to correct  what he described as a” “judicial anomaly” that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.

The source reports that Justice Dashen of a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, had, on Friday, June 26, 2026, in judgment that have jolted not a few, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister the NDC as a party in the country.

But reacting to the development in a statement, Senator Dickson, while expressing shock and disbelief, however, said the party is not all that surprise at the deliberate plot to frustrate its operations.

He informed that the party is very much aware that some forces in the political space of the country have become manifestly uncomfortable with the mercurial rise of the NDC within a short time, and are, therefore, bent on snuffing life out of it.

He, however, assured that the party has put in place all necessary machineries in place to ensure that the glaring act of injustice is reversed.

He called on the party’s candidates, members, supporters and the good people of Nigeria to keep the faith, assuring that no amount of ingenious and mischievous antics will distract the party from its avowed mission of providing a credible alternative governance structure for the people.

According to him, even amidst the bizarre judgment, thousands of Nigerians have continued to register, and join.the NDC.

Following is the full text of the statement.

“This morning, I, like several other leaders, officials, candidates of the NDC, and members of the public, was jolted by the order issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja and presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen.

“All I can say is that the order lacks legal merit and is intended to affect the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. The order is illegal and will not stand. It is against multi-party democracy, anti-democratic in nature, and aimed at narrowing and stifling the democratic space. It will be resisted by all of us and by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.

“We have assembled our team of lawyers, and they are taking appropriate steps to set the order aside and restore normalcy. I call on all members, supporters, and candidates of the NDC to remain calm and continue with their normal political activities. This is only the first test of our commitment and resilience, both of which are not in doubt. Even this shall pass, and the NDC and all our candidates shall cruise to victory.

“We are not naive to expect that the tremendous progress we have achieved in the last five months would go without attack, but this particular development came from a very unlikely source. The application by an unregistered association, which is not a registered political party and has no exclusive right to any logo under the law, is shocking.

“Moreover, it was not a necessary party to the suit because it had no interest in the subject matter. It did not apply for registration in 2025, it was not one of the 171 associations that applied, nor was it among the 21 associations shortlisted for registration.

“So, we know where this is coming from. It is coming from those who are shocked by the progress the NDC has made within such a short period as a result of our hard work and commitment to deepening multi-party democracy.

“We will not allow this to slow us down or break our spirit. The struggle must continue.

“We will use appropriate judicial channels to correct the judicial anomaly that occurred under the watch of Honourable Justice Dashen. He has clearly erred in law, and we will take steps to correct it.

“All our candidates, supporters, and teeming voters across the country and beyond should hold on firmly and keep the faith. This development shows that our efforts have not gone unnoticed.

“I would also like to refer to my favourite quote on struggles “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win.”

“We are under attack, as I have repeatedly said we should prepare for challenges such as this. But thereafter, we shall win.

“Even with today’s development, thousands of Nigerians are joining us in solidarity. In fact, thousands of Nigerians across the country registered as NDC members today to show their solidarity, sympathy and support for our party. All things work together for good. Men may act with evil intentions, but if it is not the will of God, He turns it around for our good.

“I sincerely thank Nigerians for the confidence they continue to repose in the NDC. Your support, encouragement, and belief in our vision only strengthen our resolve to continue the struggle to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria.”