A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, ordering that all actions taken under the previous ruling be reversed.

The decision followed an application by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that the NDC was registered using a logo it had previously submitted to INEC.

Court reverses earlier decision

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Isah Dashen held that the court’s December 10, 2025 ruling affected the rights of the PMP, even though the party was not joined in the original suit.

The judge consequently vacated the earlier judgment and ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the December 10, 2025 decision. He also directed the claimants to include all necessary parties in the case before a fresh determination is made.

INEC ordered to withdraw recognition

Speaking after the ruling, counsel to the PMP, C.S. Ekeocha, said the judgment means every action taken by INEC based on the previous court order must be withdrawn.

According to him, this includes the recognition of the NDC as a political party, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s official records and any appearance on ballot papers, pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

Case not yet concluded

Ekeocha clarified that the court did not determine the substantive dispute but only set aside its earlier judgment to ensure all parties affected by the case are given an opportunity to be heard.

He also dismissed claims that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically restored the position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.

The case is expected to return to court after the necessary parties have been joined for a fresh hearing.