Court Overturns INEC's Registration Decision for NDC

On December 10, 2025, Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja overturned a prior ruling that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This decision followed an appeal from the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not a party to the original suit.

The court's ruling has sparked controversy, with legal analysts questioning the appropriateness of a judge reviewing their own final judgment without extreme circumstances. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, criticized the court's decision, asserting that once a judgment is delivered, it becomes functus officio, meaning it cannot be revisited unless under specific legal provisions.

The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding judicial integrity and the potential for perceived judicial rascality in Nigeria's legal system.