NDC Appeals Court Ruling on Party Registration Status

The Nigeria Democrat Congress (NDC) has announced its intention to appeal a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. NDC, represented by its presidential candidate Peter Obi, maintains that it is legally registered despite the court's ruling.

Senior lawyers have raised questions regarding the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in this matter. The court's decision, delivered on December 10, 2025, ordered that the NDC's registration status be restored, pending the determination of a substantive suit.

NDC Chairman Mose Cleopa stated that the party has instructed its legal team to file an appeal against the ruling. The court also addressed a suit filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed that the NDC's registration was based on a logo previously submitted to INEC.

The court's ruling has raised concerns among opposition parties regarding the safety of their registrations.