The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has set aside its earlier judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
Delivering the ruling on Friday, June 26, 2026, presiding judge Justice Isah Dashen nullified the previous order, declaring the initial judgment constitutionally defective. The court held that the prior decision which had compelled INEC to issue a registration certificate to the political association was reached without giving all necessary parties a fair hearing.
The application to set aside the judgment was brought before the court by the Peace Movement Party (PMP). The PMP approached the court arguing that it was an essential party to the suit and should have been included in the initial proceedings due to conflicting political stakes, including allegations of a logo infringement involving the newly formed NDC.
Upholding the PMP’s application, Justice Dashen ruled that material facts were actively suppressed by the promoters of the NDC in obtaining the original favorable judgment, which dated back to December 10, 2025. The judge noted that a court cannot allow a judgment obtained via the concealment of vital facts to stand, as doing so would undermine the foundational principles of justice and equity.
"The failure to hear all necessary parties who would be directly impacted by the registration of the association renders the earlier decision constitutionally defective," Justice Dashen stated.
Consequently, the court ordered that the status quo be immediately restored, effectively halting any recognition of the NDC as a legally registered political entity. The judge directed that the substantive suit regarding the party's registration must commence entirely afresh. Under the new directive, INEC, the Peace Movement Party, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress will all participate as full parties to the legal dispute to ensure a balanced and fair hearing.
The court's decision has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's shifting political landscape. The NDC was formed earlier this year on February 23, 2026, following a major split from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Driven by a wave of defections, the party quickly gained momentum, drawing in prominent political heavyweights, including former 2023 presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside 17 members of the House of Representatives and three sitting Senators.
Legal analysts note that this ruling introduces severe regulatory and operational uncertainty for the high-profile politicians who recently aligned with the NDC. With the legal dispute pushed back to a fresh trial, the NDC’s formal status remains in limbo. This development comes at a critical time, as political parties are actively preparing for the 2027 general elections under strict INEC timelines and statutory campaign deadlines.
Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the Peace
Movement Party praised the judiciary for defending the rule of law and ensuring that all aggrieved groups are given a voice in the electoral process. Meanwhile, representatives for the NDC expressed disappointment but maintained optimism, stating that their legal team is reviewing the ruling to determine whether to file an immediate appeal or prepare for the fresh substantive trial.
For now, INEC is legally restrained from recognizing the NDC, returning the fight for the party's survival back to the courtroom.
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