BREAKING: Court Explains Why It Voided NDC Registration, Declares Party Must Return to Pre-Judgment Status

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The Federal High Court in Lokoja has overturned its earlier decision that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, stating that the previous ruling was made without involving a party whose rights were directly affected.

Justice Isah Dashen, while delivering the judgment on Friday, June 26, 2026, ruled that the December 10, 2025 decision could not remain valid because it had an impact on the interests of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not included in the original suit. The court held that excluding the party from the proceedings denied it the opportunity to defend its position.

The issue centered on the logo used by the NDC during its registration process. The Peace Movement Party had argued that the same logo had already been submitted by it to INEC, making the matter a direct concern for the party. The court agreed that PMP had a legitimate interest in the case and should have been heard before any final judgment was made. Favor As Higher Power? (The hidden truth) Some positions in life cannot be held or retained for long if you are not favored. Favor is higher power. You are not the only one desiring, deserving, connected, powerful or qualified. Some positions in life, opportunities, success, achievements, triumphs, selection, approvals, power and position, elevation, patronage, etc, are mainly through favor. Favor is silent, spiritual and higher power. For spiritual guidance, other solutions, call/Whatsapp Dr J.A. Faros on 07030514063. With God, all are possible.

Following the ruling, Justice Dashen cancelled the earlier judgment and directed all parties to return to the legal situation that existed before the December 10, 2025 decision. The judge also ordered the claimants to ensure that all relevant parties are properly joined in the case before the matter can proceed for a full hearing.

Counsel representing the Peace Movement Party, C.S. Ekeocha, explained that his client went to court after discovering that the NDC’s registration process involved a logo that belonged to the PMP. He said the latest judgment confirmed that the party’s rights were affected and that it deserved a chance to present its arguments.

Ekeocha added that the decision also affects actions taken by INEC based on the previous ruling. This means the NDC’s registration, certificate issuance, official recognition in INEC records, and any ballot-related steps connected to the earlier judgment have been reversed.

The lawyer clarified that the dispute is not yet concluded, noting that the court only removed the previous judgment to correct the legal process and ensure every affected party is given a fair opportunity to be heard before a final decision is reached.