Court Sets Aside Judgment Recognising NDC, Orders Fresh Hearing
A Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has set aside its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the earlier judgment affected the interests of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined in the original suit despite claiming ownership of the logo at the center of the dispute. The court consequently ordered that all parties return to their positions before the December 10, 2025 judgment and directed that all necessary parties be joined for a fresh hearing.
The ruling means that actions taken by INEC based on the earlier judgment, including the recognition and registration of the NDC, may be suspended pending the final determination of the substantive case.
The court emphasized that the matter has not been finally decided and will be heard afresh after all affected parties have been properly included in the proceedings.