INEC officially registers Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after court ruling overturns previous denial, enabling the party to contest elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday presented the certificate of registration to the Nigeria Democratic Congress Protem National Legal Adviser of NDC, Reuben Egwuaba, received the certificate on behalf of the party.
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He said the registration allows NDC to join the ranks of political parties contesting for leadership positions in Nigeria, aiming to represent citizens at home and in the diaspora.
“Today’s event marks the culmination of NDC’s long and tortuous fight for registration, a journey which started as far back as 2017,” Egwuaba said, moments after receiving the certificate from INEC’s Director of Elections and Party Monitoring, Barrister Joan Arabs.
Egwuaba explained that NDC was initially among 171 political organisations that applied for registration.
However, the party was denied approval on the grounds that its logo allegedly resembled that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a claim the NDC disputed as false.
The party subsequently challenged INEC’s decision in court.
“The court upheld that the NDC logo is distinct from APC’s, and clarified that the other association cited by INEC was not even a registered entity,” Egwuaba said.
The court then directed INEC to register NDC, declaring the party officially recognised.
Barrister Egwuaba, who also led the NDC legal team, thanked the judiciary for upholding truth, justice, and fairness in the case.
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The registration now allows NDC to participate fully in Nigeria’s democratic process, including upcoming elections, positioning it as a new contender in the national political landscape.
