The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed it has not yet obtained the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court ruling that overturned a prior directive to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. Adedayo Oketola, the commission’s Chief Press Secretary, noted that while INEC is monitoring media coverage of the June 26 Lokoja Federal High Court decision, it will refrain from commenting until the document is reviewed. Upon receipt, the legal department will analyze the judgment to determine the appropriate response.
Justice Isah Dashen reversed the December 10, 2025, order to register the NDC. The court determined that the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used in the initial registration proceedings, was excluded from the original suit. Consequently, the court ordered a fresh hearing to include all relevant parties. The NDC has publicly denounced this decision, with National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas pledging to file an appeal. Meanwhile, stakeholders including Peter Obi and Senator Henry Dickson have criticized the ruling as a potential danger to democratic processes, promising to challenge the court’s stance through legal avenues.
