By Idris Salisu, Gusau
The Zamfara State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Garba Maikatako, has dismissed reports suggesting that the party has been deregistered, insisting that the NDC remains a legally recognised and fully operational political party.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Maikatako faulted the recent ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, describing it as non-binding on the party’s legal status and maintaining that the NDC remains vibrant and committed 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 described the Lokoja court ruling, which arose from an application filed by an association known as the Peace Movement Party, as a temporary legal setback rather than a final 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.
“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 stated.
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.
“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 said.
