Court Overturns Judgment Recognising NDC as Political Party

NDC registration judgment overturned as Federal High Court orders a fresh hearing over dispute involving the Peace Movement Party

A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, ordering that the matter return for a fresh hearing.

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The ruling on Friday marks a significant development in the NDC registration judgment dispute after the court held that the earlier decision affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined as a party in the original suit.

Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the interests of the Peace Movement Party had been impacted because it claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC during its registration process.

Counsel to the Peace Movement Party, C.S. Ekeocha, told journalists that his client approached the court after discovering that the NDC’s registration was based on a logo the party had previously submitted to INEC before the initial case commenced.

“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,” Ekeocha said.

According to the lawyer, the ruling effectively reverses all actions taken by INEC pursuant to the earlier judgment.

“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registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” he added.

Ekeocha stressed that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been determined on its merits.

“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 said.

The ruling means the dispute over the NDC’s registration will return to the Federal High Court, where all relevant parties are expected to participate before a new judgment is delivered.

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The development comes as political parties continue preparations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, making the outcome of the case potentially significant for the country’s evolving political landscape.