Federal High Court Cancels Order to Register Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as Political Party

Federal High Court Cancels Order to Register Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as Political Party

Federal High Court in Lokoja has overturned its earlier judgment directing INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), amid ongoing political party deregistration cases.

Federal High Court Reverses Order Directing INEC to Register Nigeria Democratic Congress

The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

The ruling was delivered on Friday by Justice Isah Dashen, marking a significant development in Nigeria's political landscape as debates over political party registration and deregistration continue to intensify.

The court's latest decision was made public through a post on X by Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Court Reverses Earlier Judgment

Justice Dashen's latest ruling effectively nullifies the previous court order that had instructed INEC to recognize and register the Nigeria Democratic Congress as an official political party.

Although the court has yet to release the full details behind the reversal, the judgment represents another major twist in Nigeria's evolving electoral and judicial process.

Political Parties Face Growing Legal Challenges

The ruling comes at a time when several opposition parties are battling legal and internal crises ahead of future elections.

Recently, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Accord Party.

The decision followed a lawsuit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties failed to satisfy constitutional requirements for continued registration.

Why Political Parties Can Be Deregistered in Nigeria

According to Nigerian electoral laws, a registered political party must meet specific performance benchmarks to retain its legal status.

These include:

- Securing at least 25% of votes in one state during a presidential election, or

- Winning at least one elective seat at the federal, state, or local government level.

The Abuja court ruled that the affected parties failed to meet these constitutional requirements during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections.

What the Lokoja Judgment Means

The cancellation of the earlier order means INEC is no longer legally compelled by that judgment to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

The development could have wider implications for political associations seeking official recognition as Nigeria prepares for future electoral contests.

Observers believe the ruling further highlights the growing role of the judiciary in shaping Nigeria's democratic process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did the Federal High Court reverse its earlier judgment?

The court overturned its previous order directing INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress. However, detailed reasons for the reversal have not yet been made public.

What is the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)?

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is a political association seeking official registration as a political party by INEC.

Which political parties are facing deregistration?

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Accord Party, and three other political associations have been affected by a separate Federal High Court ruling ordering their deregistration.

What are the legal requirements for a political party to remain registered in Nigeria?

A political party must secure at least 25% of votes in one state during a presidential election or win at least one elective seat at the federal, state, or local government level.

Has INEC reacted to the latest ruling?

As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not issued an official statement regarding the Lokoja court's decision.

Conclusion

The Federal High Court's decision to reverse its earlier order directing INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress adds another layer to Nigeria's evolving political and legal landscape. With several political parties also facing deregistration, the coming months are expected to shape the country's democratic process ahead of future elections.

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