Federal High Court reverses NDC registration judgment

The Federal High Court sitting 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, effectively nullifying all actions taken pursuant to the ruling.

Justice Isah Dashen, who delivered the ruling on Friday, held that the court’s judgment of December 10, 2025, adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined as a party in the suit despite claiming ownership of the logo relied upon in securing the earlier judgment.

Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, explained that the Peace Movement Party approached the court after discovering that the NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had submitted to INEC before the commencement of the legal action.

Read Also:

FRSC opens nationwide recruitment, announces vacancies across three cadres

Ganduje inaugurates humanitarian air terminal, tours FAAN clinic project

APC’s By-Election Triumph Reflects Public Confidence, Says Governor Yusuf

According to him, the court agreed that the applicant’s interests were affected and consequently vacated its 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,” Ekeocha said.

He noted that the ruling effectively reverses every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment.

According to him, the recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s official records and any appearance on ballot papers arising from the earlier judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

Ekeocha, however, clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been determined.

“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.

He also dismissed suggestions that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically restored the position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.

The latest ruling effectively returns the dispute over the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new decision is reached.