Nigerian court sets aside judgment recognizing NDC as political party

A Nigerian Federal High Court has reversed its own ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The court's decision effectively nullifies all actions taken based on the initial judgment.

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The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined.

Justice Isah Dashen stated that the December 10, 2025 ruling negatively impacted the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP). The PMP was not a party to the original suit, despite claiming ownership of the logo that the NDC had used to secure its registration.

C. S. Ekeocha, counsel for the PMP, explained that his client approached the court after discovering the NDC's registration was based on a logo they had previously submitted to INEC. The court agreed that the PMP's rights were affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgment.

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The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

The ruling mandates that all parties return to the status quo that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment. This means the recognition of the NDC, its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC's records, and any appearance on ballot papers must be withdrawn. Ekeocha emphasized that the substantive case is still pending and has not been decided, with the court directing that all necessary parties be joined to ensure a complete determination of the dispute.

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The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached.