The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, announced on Monday via his X platform that the party has successfully gained access to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal to submit its qualified candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Dickson also revealed that the party has filed an appeal and an application for a stay of execution in response to a recent court ruling regarding its legal status. Both legal documents have been served to the INEC Chairman and the commission, with the party urging the electoral body to act in accordance with the law.

Maintaining that the NDC is a fully registered political entity, the former Bayelsa State governor confirmed that the party has concluded its nationwide nomination exercises. He noted that candidates for all offices emerged through primaries that were officially observed, monitored, and recorded by INEC. According to Dickson, the administrative submission of candidate names is currently underway, with his own name and that of the presidential candidate already uploaded to the system, while the vice-presidential candidate’s details are scheduled for completion next.

In alignment with the INEC timetable, the NDC has until July 11 to upload its National Assembly candidates, and until July 17 for its governorship and State House of Assembly candidates. Dickson assured party members that there is sufficient time to complete the process and urged calm.

Reflecting on the party's recent primaries, Dickson acknowledged the challenges faced by the newly registered party given the large volume of contestants. He confirmed that reconciliation efforts have begun to integrate unsuccessful aspirants into the party's upcoming campaigns and structural committees.

Furthermore, Dickson emphasized the importance of preserving Nigeria's multi-party democracy against political interference. He commended INEC for its professionalism in handling the registration of the NDC and two other political parties, as well as its stance against the deregistration of opposition parties. Dickson concluded by urging political leaders to protect the neutrality of key democratic institutions, expressing confidence that the judiciary will deliver a fair ruling on the pending appeal.