Federal High Court orders INEC to register the National Democratic Party, affirming all legal requirements for NDP political party registration
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political party.
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The ruling followed Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2796/2025, filed by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori, National Chairman of the NDP, alongside three others.
The plaintiffs argued that the party had met all constitutional and statutory requirements under Sections 222–224 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
Delivering judgment on February 16, 2026, Justice Umar confirmed that the NDP had fulfilled all legal conditions necessary for registration.
The court declared that INEC has a statutory duty to recognise and register the party.
“A Declaration is hereby made that the Plaintiffs’ political association, National Democratic Party (NDP), having fulfilled all legal requirements, is qualified to be registered as a political party,” the judgment read.
The court also nullified INEC’s December 18, 2025 letter (Ref. No. INEC/DEPM/AFR/979/1/144), which had previously withheld approval for the NDP’s registration, declaring it void and without legal effect.
Justice Umar further ordered INEC to grant the NDP “full political rights and privileges of a registered political party” and to issue the party its certificate of registration along with any other relevant documents.
The court added that if INEC fails to register the NDP, the party would be deemed duly registered by operation of Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act 2022.
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The ruling marks a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape, ensuring that the NDP can now participate fully in elections and enjoy all statutory benefits afforded to registered political parties.
