The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, throwing the party’s legal status into fresh uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Isah Dashen held that the earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC. The court ruled that the PMP was not joined as a party in the original suit despite its claim over the disputed logo, and ordered that the matter be heard afresh with all relevant parties participating.

The NDC had been registered by INEC following a court order issued on December 15, 2025.

Reacting to the latest ruling, the NDC rejected the decision, insisting it had not been deregistered. The party maintained that it remains a legally registered political party and announced plans to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

National Leader of the party, Seriake Dickson, described the ruling as lacking legal merit and warned that it could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. He expressed confidence that the legal challenge would be resolved in the party’s favour.

 

The party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also reacted to the judgment, alleging that efforts were being made to frustrate his 2027 presidential ambition. Obi, however, assured his supporters that the ruling would not stop his political aspirations and urged them to remain peaceful while pursuing legal remedies.

 

The development has drawn reactions from opposition groups, legal experts and political analysts. The Obidient Movement criticised the ruling, describing it as a threat to democratic principles, while some legal experts noted that although courts can, in certain circumstances, review their own judgments, the NDC retains the right to appeal the decision.

Political observers say the ruling could have significant implications for the opposition landscape as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.