The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reacted with shock to Friday’s ruling by a Federal High Court in Lokoja that set aside its earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
Justice Isah Dashen, who delivered the ruling, held that the December 10, 2025 judgment was constitutionally defective because it was reached without hearing all parties whose interests were directly affected.
The court upheld an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that its rights were affected because the NDC’s registration was based on a logo the PMP had previously submitted to INEC .
Justice Dashen ordered that the status quo be restored to what it existed before the December 2025 judgment and directed that the substantive suit commence afresh, with INEC, the PMP, and the NDC joined as parties.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NDC condemned the ruling, describing it as an overreach of judicial powers. The party maintained that the court had become functus officio after delivering its final judgment in the suit against INEC and that there was no appeal against that decision .
Sen. Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, National Chairman of the NDC, stated that the party’s legal team has been instructed to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of Justice Dashen’s order .
“His Lordship came to the conclusion that they have locus standi, and furthermore, that he has jurisdiction to do what he did. We are dissatisfied with the decision and are challenging it,” the statement read.
The NDC insisted that it has not been deregistered and that all its nominations for various offices remain valid. The party urged its supporters and candidates to remain calm, assuring them that justice would be served .
Implications of the Ruling
Chikezie Ekeocha, counsel to the Peace Movement Party, explained that the ruling effectively reverses every action taken by INEC pursuant to the now-vacated judgment.
He stated that the recognition of the NDC, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from the earlier judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit .
“However, the substantive case has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached,” Ekeocha clarified .
The case will now return to the Federal High Court in Lokoja for a fresh hearing involving all relevant parties before a new determination is made .
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