Federal High Court overturns its own judgement that directed INEC to recognise Nigeria Democratic Congress as political party
A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has set aside its previous judgement that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, citing constitutional defects in the proceedings.
Justice Isah Dashen ruled on Friday that the earlier decision was invalid because it was delivered without affording all interested parties the opportunity to be heard. The court upheld the Peace Movement Party’s (PMP) application, determining that the party was a necessary party to the suit.
“The earlier judgement was constitutionally defective as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties,” Justice Dashen held, declaring the omission rendered the entire process null and void.
The court further observed that certain material facts had been suppressed during the initial proceedings, justifying the decision to vacate the judgement. Justice Dashen ordered that the status quo be restored to its position before the December 2025 judgement, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Consequently, the court directed that the substantive matter should commence afresh, with INEC, the PMP and the NDC joined as parties to the case.
Logo Dispute Sparks Legal Challenge
Speaking to journalists, 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 commencement of the suit.
“The court agreed that the applicant’s rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgement,” Mr Ekeocha stated.
He clarified that the ruling effectively reverses every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgement, 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 judgement.
Mr Ekeocha emphasised that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been finally determined. “The court merely set aside its previous judgement 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 added.
The ruling returns the dispute over the NDC’s registration to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new determination is made.
