More Condemnations Trail NDC Deregistration Ruling, INEC Awaits CTC

The Federal High Court in Lokoja has reversed its earlier decision to register the Nigeria Democratic Coalition (NDC) as a political party, a move that has sparked significant backlash. The presiding judge, Justice Isah Dashen, vacated the initial judgment that had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC.

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Ruling exposes Tinubu’s desperation to impose one-party system.

Former Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar condemned the ruling, characterizing it as evidence of President Bola Tinubu's "desperate determination to impose a de facto one-party system" in Nigeria. Abubakar alleged a "sinister plot" to undermine opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing that stifling freedom of choice could lead to chaos. He urged Tinubu to emulate former President Muhammadu Buhari's stance of not deregistering opposition parties.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also warned against the ruling's threat to multi-party democracy, noting that a judge cannot overturn their own judgment. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) echoed these sentiments, alleging a coordinated effort to weaken opposition parties. Investment banker Atedo Peterside suggested that "judicial rascality" could be curbed not only by appellate courts but also through disciplinary actions against judges.

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The decision of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, to set aside its earlier judgment recognising the Nigeria Democratic Coalition (NDC), yesterday continued to receive widespread condemnation.

INEC stated it is awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court's ruling. An unnamed INEC official confirmed that the commission would respond appropriately once the CTC is received. The ruling, delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, concerns the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

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We have not received the CTC of the judgment delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier order concerning the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress. Whenever we receive the CTC, we will react accordingly.