Federal Court Takes Bolder Step
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The Federal High Court in Lokoja has taken a bold step, setting aside its earlier judgment recognizing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a registered political party. This move restores parties to their pre-judgment status and nullifies all actions taken pursuant to the ruling.
According to a Channels Television report, Justice Isah Dashen delivered the ruling on Friday, holding that the court's December 10, 2025, judgment adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP). The court agreed that the applicant's rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgment, as per Counsel for the applicant, C. S. Ekeocha. He explained that the implication of the ruling means every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment stands reversed.
The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, 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registration, its inclusion in INEC's records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit, Ekeocha stated. However, he 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.
The court's decision was made after 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 commencement of the suit.
New Details Emerge
Counsel for the applicant, C. S. Ekeocha, confirmed that the court agreed that the applicant's rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgment. According to Ekeocha, the court directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined.
In practical terms, this means that all parties will have to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025. The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, 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registration, its inclusion in INEC's records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit.
Key Implications
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.
The PMP's decision to challenge the NDC's registration over the shared logo has led to this unexpected turn of events. The court's decision will have significant implications for both parties as they prepare for the fresh hearing.
A Return to the Drawing Board
With the court setting aside its earlier judgment, both parties will have to start the process anew. This decision opens the possibility for the NDC to reapply for registration once their issues with the PMP have been resolved.
In the meantime, the Nigeria Democratic Congress will have to withdraw its recognition as a registered political party and cease all activities that arose from the now-vacated judgment.
No International Angle
Nigeria has no direct connections to the Peace Movement Party or the Federal High Court's decision in this matter.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress' logo has been at the center of a dispute over party registration.
'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,' Counsel for the applicant, C. S. Ekeocha, stated.