Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, candidate in Delta North Senatorial District, Victor Ochei, has described the judgment of the Kogi Federal High Court concerning the registration of the party as a temporary setback.

Speaking on the issue on Saturday in Asaba, Ochei said he remains confident that the issues arising from the judgment will be resolved through the due process of law.

Ochei, who is a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, said history had shown that temporary setbacks do not define the outcome of a just cause.

He posited that every enduring democratic movement has faced moments of trial.

“I join the leadership of the NDC to respectfully disagree with the judgment. I also acknowledge the position of the leadership of our great party to pursue every lawful and constitutional avenue in addressing this development, and I offer my unwavering support and solidarity as we collectively navigate this temporary setback.

“To my supporters, volunteers, political associates, sympathisers, and the good people of Delta North Senatorial District, I urge you to remain calm, steadfast, and focused. This is not the time for anxiety or discouragement.

“My aspiration has never been about politics for its own sake. It is founded on a sincere commitment to deliver quality representation, responsive leadership, and tangible opportunities for the sons and daughters of Delta North, beginning from our Senatorial District and extending to our people wherever they may be across Nigeria.

“That mission remains intact and will not be derailed by temporary legal challenges. I, therefore, encourage everyone to keep faith with the democratic process, continue strengthening our grassroots structures, deepen our engagement with the people, and remain focused on the bigger objective before us.

“Let no one be distracted. The ideals of justice, service, inclusion, and good governance that inspire our collective efforts are far greater than any momentary obstacle.

“I have absolute faith in the integrity of our judicial system and every confidence that, through the lawful processes available, this matter will ultimately reach a positive and logical conclusion for the party. Until then, let us remain united, hopeful, peaceful, and resolute” Ochei assured.

Nigerian businessman and social media commentator, Uche Rochas, has claimed that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, will not be on the ballot in 2027.

He was reacting to the controversy surrounding the recent court ruling on NDC registration.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on Friday set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to register NDC as a political party.

‎Justice Isah Dashen, who delivered the controversial ruling, held that the court’s earlier judgment adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, PMP, which was not joined as a party in the suit despite claiming ownership of the logo being used by NDC.

The decision of the court is currently generating backlash with opposition parties accusing President Bola Tinubu-led administration of plotting to contest the 2027 election unopposed.

Obi’s supporters have also been worried over the alleged plot to de-register the NDC, the party fielding him.

In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Rochas claimed that Obi will be missed in the election, insinuating that the NDC will not participate in the election.

He wrote, “Peter Obi will not be on any ballot in the 2027 general election. We will certainly miss him, and the noise.

“I also feel sorry for those he deceived into spending their time and money on the NDC. Now, there will be no refunds.”

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has declared that the state is fully committed to ensuring the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The governor made the declaration during an interactive meeting with elected and appointed government officials at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf said Kano would play a leading role in delivering massive votes for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

He said the APC-led administration in the state had no regrets about supporting the President.

“We have no apology for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His re-election is a collective responsibility of every party member and government official,” the governor said.

Yusuf also directed all political appointees serving in his administration who are yet to register with the APC to do so without delay.

He stressed that every elected and appointed official must identify with the party and actively contribute to strengthening its structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing victory for the APC in the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, State Assembly and local government elections.

As part of efforts to appreciate political office holders, Yusuf approved the allocation of plots of land to more than 300 political aides, including senior special assistants, special assistants, senior special reporters, special reporters and personal assistants.

He also approved the payment of N100,000 to each of the beneficiaries.

Speaking at the meeting, Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Ismail Falgore, said, “The APC owes no apology for marketing the achievements of President Tinubu in Kano.”

He added that constituency projects carried out by members of the State Assembly, with the support of Governor Yusuf, had strengthened the party’s popularity and positioned it for victory in 2027.

Also speaking, the Kano APC Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, declared that the party was ready for the political contest ahead.

“The battle line has been drawn with the Kwankwasiyya movement,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.