By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will not take any action on the Federal High Court judgment that set aside the registration order for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) until it receives the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling. The commission disclosed this on Saturday through its Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, in Abuja. INEC explained that its legal department will study the judgment before deciding its next steps, following the June 26, 2026, ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja.
INEC Awaits Certified True Copy of Judgment
Speaking with journalists, Oketola said the commission was aware of reports about the court’s decision. However, he stressed that INEC could not comment on the judgment without first reviewing the Certified True Copy.
According to him, the commission’s legal department will carefully examine the court’s decision before taking any lawful action.
He said:
“Once the Commission’s legal department receives and thoroughly studies the CTC of the judgment, INEC will take an informed, lawful decision in line with the court’s directives.”
He also urged Nigerians to wait for the commission’s official position after the review.
Court Sets Aside Earlier Registration Order
Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside the court’s December 10, 2025, judgment that directed INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a political party.
The judge ruled that the Peace Movement Party (PMP) was denied a fair hearing because it was not joined in the earlier suit. The PMP claimed ownership of the logo used to secure the registration order.
Consequently, Justice Dashen ordered all parties to return to their positions before the December 2025 judgment. He also directed the court to hear the substantive case afresh after joining all necessary parties.
NDC Rejects Judgment, Heads to Appeal
Following the ruling, the Nigeria Democratic Congress rejected the court’s decision and announced plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.
The party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, maintained that the NDC remains a legally registered political party. He argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to revisit a matter after delivering a final judgment.
Opposition Leaders Condemn Ruling
The judgment has sparked reactions from opposition leaders and political groups.
The NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, National Leader Senator Henry Dickson, and other opposition stakeholders described the ruling as a threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
They also vowed to pursue every available legal option to protect the party’s registration.
INEC Maintains Neutral Position
Meanwhile, INEC insisted it would remain neutral until it officially receives and reviews the Certified True Copy of the judgment.
The commission reaffirmed that its next decision would strictly follow the law and the court’s directives after completing its legal assessment.
