Court Nullifies NDC Registration, Orders Fresh Hearing
The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has set aside its earlier judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The ruling, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen on Friday, June 26, 2026, returns the dispute over the party's registration to the trial court for a fresh hearing. This development has sparked widespread controversy regarding the legal status of the NDC, the rationale behind the reversal, and the party's next steps.
What the Court Actually Decided
Justice Dashen ruled that the previous judgment, delivered on December 10, 2025, was invalid because not all affected parties were heard. The judge specifically noted the absence of the Peace Movement Party (PMP) during the earlier proceedings. The PMP had claimed ownership of the logo that the NDC submitted to INEC for registration. Consequently, the court ordered all parties to return to the status quo before the December 10 judgment and directed that all affected parties, including the PMP, must be joined before the case proceeds.
Why Was the Earlier Judgment Set Aside?
According to a report by Tribune, the counsel to the PMP, C.S. Ekeocha, stated that the movement approached the court after discovering that the logo used by the NDC during its registration process was similar to what the PMP had earlier submitted to INEC. Ekeocha maintained that the dispute directly affected the PMP's rights and interests, and therefore the party should have been made a party in the earlier proceedings. The court agreed with the PMP, granting it the opportunity to be heard.
Immediate Effect of the Ruling on the NDC
Ekeocha clarified that the earlier judgment compelling INEC to register the NDC is now void, and every action taken by INEC as a result of that judgment is nullified. These actions included recognizing the NDC as a political party, issuing a certificate of registration, adding the NDC to INEC's official record of political parties, and preparing to include the party on ballot papers for the 2027 elections.
Is the NDC No Longer a Political Party?
It is important to note that the court did not rule that the NDC cannot be registered as a political party. Instead, it stated that the earlier judgment cannot stand because all necessary parties were not included. Therefore, the issue concerning the NDC's registration remains pending, and the suit will be heard afresh after the PMP and other affected parties are joined.
What's Next for the NDC?
The case will return to the trial court, where all parties, including the PMP, will present their legal arguments. After hearing the arguments, the court will rule on whether the NDC should be registered, whether there are legal controversies arising from the disputed logo, and other related issues.
Why Is the Ruling Significant?
The court's decision underscores the constitutional principle of fairness, which mandates that every party whose legal rights are affected must be allowed to present their arguments. The ruling also serves as a warning to political parties seeking registration to ensure that their names, logos, and symbols do not conflict with those already registered or submitted for registration. Until the court makes a final decision, the legal status of the NDC remains unresolved.
