A Federal High Court in Lokoja has overturned its previous judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen ruled on Friday that the original decision unfairly infringed upon the rights of the Peace Movement Party, PMP, which was entirely excluded from the initial lawsuit despite claiming ownership of the logo used by the NDC.
The PMP’s lawyer, C.S. Ekeocha, explained that his clients approached the court after discovering the NDC had secured its registration using a logo that the PMP had already submitted to INEC.
“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 stated.
The new ruling effectively voids all administrative actions previously taken by Nigeria’s electoral umpire to recognize the newly formed political association.
“The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Ekeocha added.
The defense attorney emphasized that the legal battle is far from over, as the core issues of the registration dispute have simply been reset for a fairer trial.
“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,” Ekeocha clarified.
