Nigeria's NDC registration nullified by court, prompting political backlash

A Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its earlier judgment that had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The court ruled that the previous decision was defective because the Peace Movement Party, which claims rights to the NDC’s logo, was not joined as a party in the suit. Justice Isah Dashen ordered that the matter be reheard with INEC, the NDC and the Peace Movement Party as parties.

INEC said it has not yet received the certified true copy of the judgment and will review the ruling before taking any action. NDC leader Seriake Dickson called the decision unlawful and a threat to multi‑party democracy, while presidential candidate Peter Obi described it as a serious setback for Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The African Democratic Congress and other opposition groups also condemned the ruling, warning that it narrows democratic space ahead of the 2027 general election.

The NDC has announced it will appeal the judgment and continue its preparations for the upcoming election, urging supporters to remain calm and continue campaigning.