A Federal High Court in Lokoja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), throwing the political future of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into doubt.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen on Friday, vacates the court’s earlier judgment in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, which had compelled INEC to register the NDC in January. That order served as the sole legal basis for the party’s recognition.
The reversal follows a challenge by rival groups, including the Peace Movement Party (PMP) and the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). They argued that the NDC failed to meet statutory conditions for registration, including completing INEC’s application portal and submitting key documents such as its manifesto.
Justice Dashen held that the earlier judgment was constitutionally defective because it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties, particularly the PMP, which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC. He declared the previous process null and void due to the omission and suppressed material facts.
“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,” said Chikezie Ekeocha, counsel to the PMP.
Ekeocha added: “The recognition of the NDC, 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registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit.”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 decision effectively returns the NDC to the beginning of the registration process. The party cannot sponsor candidates for any election until it secures fresh approval from INEC.
In response, the camp of Peter Obi vowed to appeal the ruling. Spokesperson of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Idris Zekeri Jnr, described the judgment as a “bizarre ruling” and a temporary hurdle.
“We have received the news of today’s bizarre ruling from the court in Lokoja regarding the legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). While our legal teams are thoroughly reviewing the judgment to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures, our Principal urges all our supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to remain absolutely calm and focused,” the statement said.
It continued, “We always knew that the journey to dismantle a deeply entrenched and grossly underperforming political status quo would be met with fierce institutional resistance and unexpected legal detours. Today’s ruling is a hurdle, not a stop sign. Our commitment to providing a transparent, legitimate, and formidable alternative for Nigerians remains unshakeable.”
The substantive suit will now proceed afresh with INEC, the PMP, and the NDC as parties. The development has sparked fresh debate on the multi-party system and registration processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
