By Senator Ehigie Uzamere
The reported decision of the Federal High Court in Lokoja directing the deregistration or frustrating the registration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party raises serious concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional democracy, political pluralism, and the rule of law.
Whether one agrees with the ideology or leadership of the NDC or not, is beside the point. The real issue is whether Nigerians have the constitutional right to freely associate and participate in democratic process through political platforms of their choice. A democracy that selectively permits political participation ceases to be a true democracy.
Every political association that satisfies the legal requirements of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed to operate without political interference or judicial intimidation. The Constitution guarantees freedom of association, while the Electoral Act provides the framework for political party registration. The courts should remain defenders of constitutional rights, not instruments for shrinking the democratic space or limiting political competition.
This is why every opposition political party, regardless of ideological differences, must unite to condemn any attempt to prevent the emergence of another lawful political party. Today it may be the NDC; tomorrow it could be the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Labour Party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Young Progressives Party (YPP), or any other opposition platform. The timeless principle remains: an injury to one is an injury to all. An attack on one political party is ultimately an attack on the democratic rights of all Nigerians.
Nigeria’s democracy becomes stronger when citizens are presented with a broad range of political alternatives. The participation of more political parties in the 2027 general elections will deepen democratic engagement, encourage healthy competition, stimulate innovative policy ideas, and provide voters with genuine choices.
Democracy thrives through inclusion, not exclusion, and no political party that truly enjoys public confidence should fear open electoral competition.
The Independent National Electoral Commission must continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law. Likewise, the judiciary must remain the last hope of the common man by safeguarding constitutional freedoms and protecting citizens against arbitrary restrictions on their political rights. Public confidence in democratic institutions depends on their independence and impartiality.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, political parties, civil society organisations, legal practitioners, and all lovers of democracy must stand together in defence of freedom of association, political participation, and electoral fairness. Every lawful political party should enjoy the right to register, campaign, present candidates, and submit its vision to the judgment of the Nigerian electorate. That is the essence of constitutional democracy and the surest path to building a more inclusive and representative nation.
I therefore call on all well-meaning Nigerians and every citizen of good conscience to reject any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. Democracy flourishes through political diversity, robust competition, and the free exchange of ideas, not through the suppression of legitimate political platforms.
Silence in the face of injustice today may become the foundation for greater injustice tomorrow. If we truly believe in democracy, then we must stand together to defend the rights of every lawful political association to exist, organise, and participate freely in the nation’s electoral process. Indeed, an injury to one is an injury to all.
