The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has nullified its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Isah Dashen set aside the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment, effectively reversing all actions taken by INEC pursuant to the earlier decision.
The court held that the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP) were adversely affected because the party was not joined in the original suit, despite claiming ownership of the logo used in securing the judgment for NDC’s registration.
Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, explained that the Peace Movement Party approached the court after discovering that the NDC allegedly relied on a logo previously submitted to INEC by PMP before the commencement of the suit.
According to him, the court agreed that the party’s interests had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgment.
“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,” he said.
Ekeocha further stated that the implication of the ruling is that every action taken by INEC based on the now-vacated judgment stands reversed.
“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registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Ekeocha stated.
He, however, clarified that the substantive matter remains before the court and has not been conclusively determined.
“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 also dismissed claims that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically restored the position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.
The latest ruling effectively returns the dispute over the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new decision is reached.
