The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a Federal High Court judgment that nullified an earlier order directing the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, INEC noted its awareness of media reports on the ruling but declined to comment until it reviews the official document.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is aware of reports circulating in the media regarding 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.
However, as of this moment, the Commission has not yet received the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the court’s order,” the statement said.
INEC added that its legal department would study the judgment upon receipt of the CTC before advising on the next steps.
“Once the Commission’s legal department receives and thoroughly studies the CTC of the judgment, INEC will take an informed, lawful decision in line with the court’s directives. Until then, we cannot comment on the specifics of the ruling, and the public is urged to await the Commission’s formal position on the matter,” Oketola added.
Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja had on June 26 set aside the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment that ordered INEC to register the NDC. The court ruled that the rights of the Peace Movement Party were violated as it was not joined in the suit despite claiming ownership of the logo used for the registration.
Justice Dashen ordered parties restored to their pre-December 2025 positions and directed a fresh hearing of the substantive suit with all necessary parties joined.
The NDC has rejected the ruling and plans to appeal, with its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, arguing the trial court lacked jurisdiction to revisit a final judgment. Opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Senator Henry Dickson, have criticised the decision as a threat to multiparty democracy.
INEC maintained it would reserve its position until it obtains and reviews the CTC.
