NDC Vows to Appeal After Court Sets Aside INEC Registration Order
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has responded to a Federal High Court judgment that set aside its earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party as a political organisation.
Speaking to Leadership, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the NDC would first obtain and study the full text of the judgment before deciding on its next legal steps.
“We are waiting to see the text of the judgment, study it and exercise our right to appeal,” Osa Director stated.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, nullified the December 10, 2025, order that had compelled INEC to register the NDC. The court found that the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed a legal interest in the matter, had not been joined in the original proceedings.
Justice Dashen held that all parties with vested interests must be allowed to participate, ordering that the case be heard afresh with the relevant parties properly joined. The ruling effectively restores the situation that existed before the initial judgment, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Counsel for the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, argued that the NDC’s registration process allegedly used a logo previously submitted to INEC by the Peace Movement Party, a point the court deemed sufficient to warrant the PMP’s participation.
The decision marks a new chapter in the ongoing legal battle over the NDC’s registration. The party insists the judicial process is far from over and remains confident in its legal position, pledging to pursue all constitutional avenues to defend its registration and political activities.
While the NDC respects the court’s decision, it says it will not relent in seeking redress through the appellate process, expressing optimism that a higher court will clarify the issues raised in the judgment.
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