By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LOKOJA — The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, effectively nullifying all actions taken pursuant to the ruling.
The decision marks a significant twist in the legal battle over the proposed political party’s registration and temporarily halts the NDC’s efforts to secure official recognition ahead of future elections.
In the fresh ruling, the court vacated its previous judgment after considering issues raised regarding the earlier proceedings. By setting aside the judgment, the court restored the status quo, meaning INEC is no longer under any legal obligation arising from the earlier order to register the NDC as a political party.
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The development represents another chapter in Nigeria’s evolving electoral jurisprudence, where political associations seeking registration have increasingly turned to the courts after alleging delays or refusal by INEC to process their applications.
The NDC had approached the court seeking judicial intervention after contending that it had satisfied the constitutional and statutory requirements for registration but had not received approval from the electoral commission. The earlier judgment in its favour had generated considerable attention within political circles, as it was seen as a victory for groups advocating broader political participation and the expansion of Nigeria’s democratic space.
However, the latest decision has effectively reversed that legal victory, leaving the party’s registration process uncertain pending any further judicial proceedings or fresh application before the appropriate authorities.
Under Nigeria’s electoral framework, INEC is constitutionally empowered to register political parties that comply with the provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act. The commission has consistently maintained that prospective political parties must fulfil all prescribed legal and administrative requirements before they can be granted registration.
Political analysts say the latest court decision underscores the complexities surrounding the registration of political parties in Nigeria and highlights the judiciary’s crucial role in interpreting electoral laws. They noted that the ruling may also influence similar legal disputes involving other political associations seeking recognition.
The judgment comes at a time when political activities are gradually gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several political groups exploring registration as parties to participate in the country’s democratic process.
The Merit Newspaper reports that Legal observers believe the NDC may still explore further legal remedies, including an appeal, if it seeks to challenge the latest judgment. Until then, the party remains without official registration by INEC, while the electoral commission is no longer bound by the earlier court order that compelled it to register the association as a political party.
The latest ruling is expected to generate renewed debate on the balance between judicial oversight and the constitutional powers vested in INEC over the registration and regulation of political parties in Nigeria.
