Court reverses ruling recognizing NDC as a political party

By Boluwaji Obahopo

A Federal High Court in Lokoja has overturned its earlier decision that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, thereby nullifying all actions taken under that ruling.

Justice Isah Dashen delivered the ruling on Friday, stating that the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment had infringed upon the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP). The PMP was not a party in the original suit, yet it claimed ownership of the logo that the NDC used to secure its registration.

Counsel for the applicant, C. S. Ekeocha, told reporters that the PMP had approached the court after discovering that the NDC’s registration had been based on a logo the PMP had previously submitted to INEC before the suit began.

Ekeocha said the court recognized that the applicant’s rights had been affected and therefore set aside the earlier judgment.

“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.

He explained that the implication of the ruling is that every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now‑vacated judgment is reversed.

“The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Ekeocha stated.

He clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not yet been decided.

“The matter 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,” he added.

Ekeocha also dismissed suggestions that the court simply ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically directed a restoration of the position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.