A Federal High Court in Lokoja 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, effectively nullifying all actions taken pursuant to that ruling.
Justice Isah Dashen, delivering the ruling on Friday, held that the court's December 10, 2025 judgment was constitutionally defective because it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties. The court upheld an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that the party was a necessary party to the suit.
According to the judge, the earlier judgment adversely affected the rights of the PMP, which was not joined as a party despite claiming ownership of the logo the NDC relied upon in obtaining its registration. The court also observed that certain material facts were suppressed during the earlier proceedings.
Implications of the Ruling
Counsel to the applicant, Chikezie Ekeocha, explained that the PMP approached the court after discovering that the NDC's registration was based on a logo it had previously submitted to INEC before the suit commenced.
"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," Ekeocha stated.
He further explained that the ruling implies every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment stands reversed, including 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.
What Happens Next
Ekeocha clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been decided on its merits.
"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," he said.
The ruling effectively returns the dispute over the NDC's registration to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with INEC, the PMP, and the NDC as parties to the case.
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