BREAKING: Federal High Court in Lokoja Sets Aside Judgment Compelling INEC to Register NDC

A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, has set aside an earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

The ruling, delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, effectively nullifies the previous court order that had mandated INEC to register the party.

Court Decision

According to Daily Post report, the court vacated the earlier judgment after it was challenged. The decision means that INEC is no longer under any legal obligation to register the NDC at this time.

Details of the judgment, including the grounds on which the earlier ruling was set aside, are still emerging. However, the development is seen as a major setback for the NDC, which had been relying on the previous court order to secure its registration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Background

The NDC had approached the court after INEC allegedly failed to register the party despite meeting the necessary requirements. An earlier judgment had reportedly favoured the party, directing INEC to proceed with its registration.

The latest ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja has now overturned that position, leaving the party’s registration status uncertain.

Implications

This development is likely to have significant political implications, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections. It raises questions about the legal battles many political parties are currently engaged in over registration and recognition by INEC.

As of the time of this report, the NDC has not issued an official statement on the judgment. More details are expected to emerge in the coming hours.

Source: Daily Post