Nigerian Democratic Congress faces court deregistration, INEC code denial

A Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its December 2025 judgment that had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The court now directs INEC not to recognise the NDC as a political party until all legal disputes are resolved, noting that the Peace Movement Party (PMP) was not joined in the earlier suit and claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC.

The NDC rejected the ruling, asserting that it remains a legally recognised party and will appeal the decision. Party officials, including National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe and Vice‑Presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, said they will file a stay of execution and pursue the case at the Court of Appeal. Kwankwaso wrote on X, “No temporary setback can weaken the spirit of a movement built on hope, justice, equity and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people. Nigeria will be OK.”

Simultaneously, the NDC accused INEC of withholding the access code needed to upload its candidates’ names to the nomination portal for the 2027 general elections. Spokesperson Osa Director told reporters, “We approached INEC … they will get back to us,” adding that the denial prevents the party from completing the mandatory upload before the court’s deregistration order takes effect.

Other political actors, such as the Peoples Democratic Party, condemned the court order as a setback for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. The controversy surrounds the NDC’s ability to contest the upcoming elections and its broader role in the country’s political landscape.