By Eshioromeh Sebastian
The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has set aside its earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen, who delivered the fresh ruling on Friday, June 26, effectively nullified the legal basis upon which the NDC had been officially recognized by the electoral commission .
The court’s decision directs all parties to revert to their positions before the original December 10, 2025 judgment, which had ordered INEC to register the party.
The court identified that the Peace Movement Party’s interests were significantly impacted by the original ruling. This party was not included in the initial lawsuit, even though it had previously submitted the disputed logo to INEC .
Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, explained after the proceedings that “the court recognized that vital interests were affected and therefore set aside the earlier judgment” .
The ruling now cancels every step INEC took following the original order, including the issuance of the NDC’s registration certificate and its official recognition .
Background to the Controversy
The NDC had been registered by INEC in February 2026, with the commission citing compliance with the court order in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 .
However, the party’s registration sparked immediate backlash from other political associations, particularly the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), whose leaders argued that the NDC bypassed all mandatory procedures .
Dr. Umar Ardo, a founding leader of ADA, had previously alleged procedural irregularities, claiming that the NDC was never part of the 2025 screening process, did not submit a formal application, failed to join INEC’s registration portal, and did not submit required legal documents such as a constitution, manifesto, or list of executive members .
Implications of the Ruling
The judgment effectively returns the NDC to the starting point of the registration process . The party is currently not officially recognized and cannot sponsor or field candidates in any election until it obtains formal recognition from INEC .
To regain recognition, the NDC will either have to meet all INEC requirements and apply afresh or challenge the latest judgment at the Court of Appeal .
Ekeocha stressed that the core lawsuit remains active in court, noting that “the matter is far from over. The court has only paused its previous decision to ensure every stakeholder is heard before reaching a final conclusion on the registration dispute”.
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