Court Vacates NDC Registration Order, Fresh Hearing Ordered

On December 10, 2025, the Federal High Court in Lokoja, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, vacated its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The court held that the previous decision was flawed as it did not consider the interests of relevant parties, rendering the entire process null and void.

Justice Dashen ruled that the status quo should be restored to December 2025, pending the determination of the substantive suit. Counsel for the Peace Movement Party (PMP), Chikezi Ekeocha, stated that the court agreed to their application, which argued that the NDC's registration was based on a logo previously submitted to INEC.

The court ordered that the substantive suit begin afresh, with all affected parties required to join the proceedings to ensure a complete and effective determination of the issues in dispute.