A Federal High Court in Lokoja has overturned its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
The decision has raised questions about the NDC’s legal status, the reason for the court’s reversal, and what lies ahead for the party. Here is what happened.
What did the court decide?
Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment ordering INEC to register the NDC should be set aside.
The judge held that the decision was reached without hearing all parties whose interests were directly affected by the case, particularly the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claims ownership of a logo allegedly used by the NDC during its registration process.
The court ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the December judgment and directed that all affected parties be joined in the case before it proceeds.
Why was the earlier judgment set aside?
Counsel to the PMP, C.S. Ekeocha, argued that his client was not included in the original suit despite having a direct interest in the matter.
According to him, the logo submitted by the NDC to INEC closely resembles one previously submitted by the PMP.
The court agreed that any party whose rights may be affected by a decision must be given an opportunity to be heard, in line with the constitutional principle of fair hearing.
What does the ruling mean for the NDC?
The immediate effect is that the judgment compelling INEC to register the NDC no longer stands.
Consequently, actions taken based on that judgment are also affected, including:
Recognition of the NDC as a political party.
Issuance of its certificate of registration.
Inclusion in INEC’s records as a registered party.
Preparations connected to its appearance on election ballot papers.
These actions are expected to remain suspended until the matter is finally resolved.
Has the court permanently cancelled the NDC?
No.
The court did not rule that the NDC is ineligible for registration. Instead, it found that the earlier judgment was flawed because all interested parties were not before the court.
The substantive dispute over the party’s registration remains unresolved and will now be heard afresh.
What happens next?
The case returns to the Federal High Court in Lokoja for a fresh hearing.
The PMP, the NDC, INEC, and any other affected parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and legal arguments.
After hearing all sides, the court will decide whether the NDC is entitled to registration and whether the disputed logo or any other issues constitute legal obstacles.
Why is the ruling significant?
The decision reinforces the constitutional requirement of fair hearing, which mandates that courts hear all parties whose rights may be affected before making a ruling.
It also highlights the importance of ensuring that political parties seeking registration use names, symbols, and logos that do not conflict with those of existing or aspiring political organisations.
Until a fresh judgment is delivered, the NDC’s legal status remains uncertain, while INEC is expected to comply with the latest court order and await the outcome of the renewed proceedings.