Court strips NDC of party status, voids earlier registration order.

The Federal High Court in Lokoja has overturned its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

The latest ruling removes the legal foundation for the party’s registration, leaving its status uncertain.
The NDC had previously obtained a court order compelling INEC to register it, prompting the electoral body to add the party to its list of recognised political parties. However, the decision was challenged by other political associations, which argued that the NDC had not fulfilled all the legal requirements for registration.
Among the challengers was the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which maintained that the NDC failed to complete its registration through INEC’s official portal and did not submit essential documents required by law, including its manifesto and other supporting materials. The objections led the court to revisit the matter.
In its fresh judgment, the court set aside the earlier order that compelled INEC to register the NDC. As a result, the party is no longer recognised as a registered political party and cannot sponsor or field candidates in elections unless it obtains fresh approval from INEC.
The ruling also frees INEC from any legal obligation to retain the NDC on its list of registered political parties. The court held that legal and procedural flaws surrounding the earlier judgment made it necessary to reverse the decision.
The latest verdict marks a significant twist in the legal dispute over the NDC’s registration. The party may choose to appeal the judgment or begin the registration process afresh by complying with all of INEC’s statutory requirements. Until then, its activities as a recognised political party remain suspended.
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