A dramatic legal twist has shaken Nigeria’s political landscape after a Federal High Court in Lokoja 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 has thrown the party’s legal status into uncertainty and reopened a dispute that is far from over.
Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC but was not joined as a party in the original suit. The court held that all interested parties must be given an opportunity to present their case before a final decision is reached.
Following the judgment, legal representatives for the Peace Movement Party said the court ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the December 10, 2025 judgment. This effectively reverses actions taken by INEC based on the earlier ruling, including the recognition of the NDC, the issuance of its registration certificate, and its inclusion in the commission’s official records.
The court also made it clear that the dispute has not been concluded. Instead, it directed that the substantive case be heard afresh with all necessary parties participating to ensure a fair and comprehensive determination of the issues.
The latest development is expected to have significant political implications, particularly as preparations for future elections gather momentum. Political observers say the outcome of the fresh hearing could determine whether the NDC eventually secures legal recognition or faces additional legal hurdles.
For now, the battle over the party’s registration has entered a new phase. With the earlier judgment overturned and fresh proceedings on the horizon, attention will remain fixed on the courtroom as all sides prepare for what could become another defining chapter in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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