INEC Awaits Court Judgment on NDC Registration Dispute

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will not comment on the legal dispute surrounding the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) until it obtains a certified true copy of the latest judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja. INEC's Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, emphasized that the commission's legal department is currently examining the judgment.

The court's ruling on June 26, 2026, set aside an earlier order regarding the NDC's registration, which had been previously decided on December 10, 2025. The ruling directed the restoration of the NDC's position as of December 2025, following claims that the Peace Movement Party was denied a fair hearing.

NDC's national chairman, Mose Cleopa, announced plans to challenge the ruling in court, arguing that the trial court lacked jurisdiction. The decision has faced criticism from various political stakeholders, including NDC's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and national leader, Henry Dickson, who described it as a setback for Nigeria's multiparty democracy.