A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment which compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
Presiding Judge, Justice Isah Dashen, ruled that the previous verdict compromised the rights of the Peace Movement Party.
The latter had claimed ownership of the victory sign adopted by the NDC, arguing it was unfairly excluded from the original suit despite having a direct interest in the matter.
Reacting swiftly to the development, the leadership of the NDC rejected the court’s decision, firmly insisting that the party remains a legally recognized entity and has not been deregistered.
In an official statement, the NDC clarified that the court’s latest order did not expressly direct INEC to strike its name off the political register, counteracting widespread reports suggesting otherwise.
The party further maintained that it has actively operated as a registered political party since the initial December 2025 judgment, during which time it has successfully conducted membership registrations, party congresses, conventions, and primaries, as well as fielded candidates in recent by-elections.
