Just In: Court Cancels NDC Registration, Sets Aside Order Directing INEC to Recognise Party

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

The latest judgment has effectively removed the legal foundation that allowed the NDC to be listed among Nigeria’s recognised political parties, leaving the party’s official status uncertain.

The NDC was previously recognised by INEC following an earlier court order that compelled the electoral body to complete its registration. The decision had generated reactions from other political associations, with some challenging the process that led to the party’s inclusion on INEC’s list.

One of the groups that opposed the registration was the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which argued that the NDC did not fully meet the legal requirements for becoming a political party.

The challengers reportedly questioned the party’s application process, including claims that required documents and other statutory materials were not properly submitted through the approved INEC channels.

Following the fresh legal challenge, the Federal High Court in Lokoja reviewed the matter and vacated its previous judgment, ruling that the earlier order compelling INEC to register the NDC could no longer stand.

With the new decision, the NDC is currently no longer recognised as a registered political party and cannot participate in elections, sponsor candidates or carry out activities reserved for fully registered political parties.

The ruling means the party may have to return to the registration process and fulfil all requirements set by INEC or seek further legal redress through an appeal.

For INEC, the judgment removes the obligation created by the previous court order and restores the commission’s position regarding the party’s registration process.

The development marks a major setback for the NDC’s political plans and introduces fresh uncertainty over its future participation in Nigeria’s electoral space ahead of upcoming elections.