The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has formally challenged a Federal High Court decision in Lokoja that overturned a previous mandate requiring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. Justice Isah Dashen, who presided over the latest ruling, held that the court’s original December 2025 judgment failed to account for the interests of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC. Consequently, the court vacated its prior decision, effectively nullifying the registration status granted to the NDC.
NDC leadership, including National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, denounced the decision as a procedural irregularity and vowed to pursue an immediate appeal. The party maintains that it has not been officially deregistered and continues to operate as a legal entity. Supporters were encouraged to remain calm as legal counsel works to restore the party’s status before the 2027 general elections.
The House of Representatives Caucus of the NDC characterized the ruling as a politically motivated attempt to stifle opposition ahead of the next election cycle. Meanwhile, INEC stated that it is awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment to determine its next official steps. Presidential candidate Peter Obi emphasized that the legal setback would not derail the party’s objectives, describing the situation as a temporary complication in their broader political movement.
