LOKOJA, Nigeria (FN) — 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, effectively nullifying all actions taken under that ruling.
Justice Isah Dashen delivered the decision Friday, ruling that the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment had adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined in the original suit despite claiming ownership of the logo used by the NDC in its registration bid.
Counsel to the PMP, C. S. Ekeocha, told reporters that the party approached the court after discovering that the NDC’s registration was based on a logo PMP had previously submitted to INEC. The court agreed that PMP’s rights had been infringed and vacated the 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.
The ruling means that INEC must reverse all actions taken in compliance with the now-vacated judgment. This includes withdrawing recognition of the NDC, canceling its certificate of registration, removing it from INEC’s records, and ensuring it does not appear on ballot papers until the substantive case is resolved.
Ekeocha emphasized that the matter is not 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 case highlights the complexities of Nigeria’s electoral process, where disputes over party registration and symbols can have significant implications for political competition. Analysts note that the ruling underscores the importance of due process and the need to involve all affected parties in election-related litigation.
Globally, the decision reflects broader challenges faced by electoral commissions in managing party registrations amid legal disputes. Observers say the outcome could influence how Nigeria’s courts handle similar cases in the run-up to future elections.
The Federal High Court’s ruling resets the status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, pending a fresh hearing that will include the Peace Movement Party. The decision underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding fairness in Nigeria’s electoral system.
