NDC registration voided by court; fresh hearing ordered as INEC awaits certified judgment

A Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside its December 10, 2025 judgment that had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the earlier decision “affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party” because it was not joined to the suit, and ordered the parties to return to their pre‑judgment positions and the substantive case to be reheard with all interested parties joined.

INEC said it will not act until it receives a certified true copy of the court order, noting that its legal team will review the judgment before taking any step. Party leaders, including presidential candidate Peter Obi, defended the NDC, urging supporters to remain calm and pledging to appeal the ruling. Former vice‑president Atiku Abubakar and NDC founder Seriake Dickson also condemned the judgment as an attack on Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

In a separate but related legal move, Obi filed an N8 billion defamation suit against former spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged false accusations of bribery and fraud. The writ, issued on June 25, 2026 in the Anambra High Court, seeks damages, a public retraction and an injunction against further statements.

The court’s decision temporarily halts the NDC’s registration status and its appearance on ballot papers, while the party prepares an appeal and continues to contest the ruling on constitutional grounds.