Deregistration Controversy: NDC Chairman Insists Party Remains Operational

The Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Zamfara State, Surajo Garba Maikatako, has described the reported deregistration of the party as a temporary legal hurdle and urged the supporters to remain committed to the ideals of democracy.
Maikatako stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Gusau where he assured party members and supporters that the NDC is still a legally recognised and functional political party.

He said that the party’s leadership had made it clear that the NDC was not deregistered and still remained committed to democratic governance and service to Nigerians.

“We see the recent decision of the Federal High Court as a legal hurdle, not terminal,” he said.

The party had met all constitutional and legal requirements, the state chairman said, adding that its structures were intact from the polling unit to the national level.

He also declared that the party’s candidates were valid and preparations for the 2027 general elections were ongoing.

He urged supporters in Zamfara State to remain calm, united and focused, insisting that the development should not discourage members of the party.

He further expressed confidence in the leadership of the party at the national level, describing the governorship candidate of the party in Zamfara State, Senator Kabiru Marafa as a key figure in the political aspiration of the party.

The chairman urged members to be strong as the party looks at all legal options after the court ruling.