INEC Set to Remove Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from Registered Political Parties After Court Reverses Judgment

INEC Set to Remove Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from Registered Political Parties After Court Reverses Judgment

INEC is set to remove the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from its list of registered political parties after a Federal High Court overturned the judgment that ordered the party's registration. Read the latest developments.

INEC Moves to Delist NDC Following Fresh Federal High Court Ruling

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is preparing to remove the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from its official register of political parties after a Federal High Court nullified the judgment that previously compelled the electoral body to register the party.

The development follows a ruling delivered on Friday by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside the court's earlier judgment of December 10, 2025. That earlier decision had directed INEC to recognize the NDC as a registered political party.

INEC Awaits Certified True Copy of Judgment

Reacting to the ruling, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission has already applied for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment and will comply fully once it receives the official document.

He explained that before the December 2025 ruling, INEC had rejected the NDC's application for registration.

«"We have applied for the Certified True Copy of the judgment. Until we receive it, we cannot comment further. However, the position before the December 10, 2025 judgment was that INEC rejected NDC's letter of intent to be registered as a political party," Haruna stated.»

Why the Court Reversed the Earlier Judgment

The court ruled that its earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not included in the original lawsuit despite claiming ownership of the logo allegedly used by the NDC in securing its registration order.

Counsel to the PMP, C. S. Ekeocha, welcomed the ruling, stating that every action taken as a result of the earlier judgment must now be reversed.

According to him, the court's decision means:

- INEC must withdraw recognition of the NDC.

- The party's certificate of registration should no longer remain valid.

- NDC's inclusion in INEC's official records should be reversed.

- Any appearance of the party on election ballot papers based on the earlier judgment must be suspended.

Court Orders Parties Back to Original Position

The Federal High Court further directed that all parties return to the legal position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.

Justice Dashen also ordered that all necessary parties be joined in the case so that the substantive issues surrounding the dispute can be properly heard and determined.

Importantly, legal counsel clarified that the substantive suit remains pending before the Federal High Court and has not yet been finally decided.

What Happens Next?

Once INEC receives the Certified True Copy of the judgment, the electoral commission is expected to restore the status quo by removing the Nigeria Democratic Congress from its register of political parties until the court reaches a final decision on the substantive case.

The outcome of the fresh hearing could determine whether the NDC eventually secures permanent recognition or remains unregistered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is INEC removing the NDC?

INEC is expected to remove the Nigeria Democratic Congress because the Federal High Court set aside the judgment that originally ordered the commission to register the party.

Has the NDC been permanently deregistered?

No. The substantive case is still pending in court. The latest ruling only restores the legal position that existed before the December 2025 judgment.

Why did the court reverse its earlier decision?

The court held that the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claims ownership of the disputed party logo, was not joined in the original case despite its legal interest.

What will INEC do next?

INEC says it is waiting for the Certified True Copy of the judgment before implementing the court's directive.

Can the NDC contest future elections?

That will depend on the final outcome of the substantive court case and whether the party ultimately secures valid registration from INEC.

Conclusion

The legal battle over the Nigeria Democratic Congress has entered a new phase after the Federal High Court reversed the judgment that compelled INEC to register the party. Until the substantive suit is resolved, INEC is expected to remove the NDC from its register, marking another significant development in Nigeria's evolving political landscape.

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