A Federal High Court in Lokoja on Friday, June 26, 2026, overturned its earlier ruling that had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Presiding Judge Isah Dashen held that the prior decision was flawed because key parties were not heard before the order was made.
The court granted an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), finding that the PMP was a necessary party to the dispute.
Justice Dashen said the earlier judgment was constitutionally defective and therefore void, noting that some material facts had been withheld during the prior proceedings.
He ordered that the legal position be restored to what it was before the December 2025 judgment while the substantive suit is re-heard.
The court directed that the case proceed anew with INEC, the PMP and the NDC all joined as parties to the fresh hearing.
NAN reports that Counsel to the applicant, Chikezie Ekeocha, told journalists that the PMP approached the court after discovering that NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had previously submitted to INEC before the commencement of the suit.
According to Ekeocha, the court agreed that the applicant’s rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgment.
“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.
He explained that the implication of the ruling is that every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment stands reversed.
“The recognition of the NDC, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Ekeocha stated.
He, however, clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been decided.
“The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached.”
Ekeocha also dismissed suggestions that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically directed a restoration of the position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.
The ruling effectively returns the dispute over the registration of the NDC to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new determination is made.
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