The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, June 26, set aside its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The presiding judge, Justice Isah Dashen, held that all relevant parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made. The court upheld an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that the organization was a necessary party to the suit.
Court Vacates Earlier Judgment
According to the judge, the initial judgment was constitutionally defective because it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties, an omission that rendered the entire process null and void. Justice Dashen further observed that certain material facts had been suppressed in the earlier proceedings, which justified vacating the order.
The court ordered that the status quo be restored to its state before the December 10, 2025 judgment, pending the determination of the substantive suit. Consequently, the entire case must begin afresh, with INEC, the PMP, and the NDC all joined as parties.
PMP's Objection to NDC Logo
Counsel to the applicant, Chikezie Ekeocha, explained to journalists that the PMP approached the court after discovering that the NDC’s registration was based on a logo the PMP had previously submitted to INEC. The court agreed that the applicant’s rights were affected and subsequently vacated the earlier decision.
“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 said.
Impact on NDC and Peter Obi
The ruling effectively reverses any actions taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment. “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registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Ekeocha stated.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 clarified, however, that the substantive case remains open and has not yet been decided on its merits. The matter returns to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, where all relevant parties will participate before a new determination is made.
With this action, unless reversed, the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the NDC, Mr. Peter Obi and Rafiu Kwankwaso, will not be in the next election.
