The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of frustrating its efforts to submit the names of its candidates by failing to provide the access code required for the commission’s nomination portal.

The allegation comes shortly after a Federal High Court ordered the deregistration of the party, a decision that has raised uncertainty over its legal standing and participation in future elections.

Speaking on behalf of the party, National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said the NDC approached INEC to obtain the portal access code needed for the online submission of its candidates but was informed that the commission would respond at a later time.

According to him, the party could not complete the upload because the required credentials were not made available.

“We approached INEC to collect the access code to upload the names of our candidates to the INEC portal. They told us that they will get back to us,” he said.

Director maintained that the party should not be blamed for missing the upload process, insisting that the setback resulted from INEC’s failure to issue the necessary access code.

He disclosed that the NDC intends to revisit the electoral commission to renew its request while pursuing legal action to prevent the immediate enforcement of the court’s decision.

“We will go back there by tomorrow. I believe by tomorrow we must have filed a stay of execution in court,” he added.

He explained that the party’s legal team has already begun filing an application for a stay of execution to suspend the implementation of the judgment pending the outcome of its appeal.

The Federal High Court’s ruling directing INEC to deregister the NDC has sparked discussions about the party’s future and whether it can continue sponsoring candidates in upcoming elections.

The case has also renewed focus on the legal and administrative procedures governing political party registration, particularly where litigation overlaps with statutory deadlines for candidate nominations.

If the court grants the requested stay of execution, the party’s status may remain unchanged until the appeal is determined. However, unless such an order is issued, the deregistration judgment will continue to have effect.

Director reaffirmed the NDC’s determination to challenge the ruling through every available legal channel, expressing confidence that the party would fight to protect the interests of its members and supporters.

The outcome of the appeal and the application for a stay of execution is expected to determine whether the NDC will retain its legal status and remain eligible to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process.