Zamfara chairman affirms NDC remains a legally recognized political party.

By Idris Salisu, Gusau

Alhaji Garba Maikatako, the Zamfara State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has denied claims that the party has been deregistered, affirming that the NDC remains a legally recognised and fully operational political party.

In a statement released on Sunday, Maikatako criticised a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, describing it as non‑binding with respect to the party’s legal status and emphasising that the NDC continues to be vibrant and dedicated to democratic principles.

“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.

He added that the party’s National Leader and National Chairman had already clarified that the NDC had not been deregistered.

“We stand firm as a legitimate entity, committed to the principles of democracy and the service of the Nigerian people,” he said.

Maikatako characterised the Lokoja court ruling, which stemmed from an application filed by an association called the Peace Movement Party, as a temporary legal setback rather than a definitive verdict on the party’s existence.

“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 said.

“It was neither an appeal against the judgment that mandated INEC nor a substantive suit challenging our existence. While we hold the judiciary in the highest esteem, we fundamentally disagree with this specific ruling,” he added.

The Zamfara NDC chairman reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy and urged members across the state to remain steadfast.

“With a deep sense of responsibility and an unshakeable belief in the future of our great nation, I address the dedicated members of our party, the resilient people of Zamfara State and all Nigerians on behalf of the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress,” he said.

“I do so guided by the visionary leadership of our National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the firm and purposeful leadership of our National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe,” he added.