Court nullifies registration of Peter Obi’s NDC over logo dispute
By Aboki Forex —
The Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment that ordered INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The ruling effectively cancels the party's registration pending a fresh hearing over a logo dispute.
Justice Isah Dashen delivered the ruling on Friday. Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, disclosed the details to journalists after the proceedings.
The court had earlier, on December 10, 2025, directed INEC to register the NDC as a political party. But the Peace Movement Party (PMP) later approached the court. The PMP claimed ownership of the logo used to secure that judgment.
Ekeocha said the court agreed that the PMP's rights were adversely affected. The party was not joined in the original suit despite its claim to the disputed logo.
The court vacated its earlier judgment. It directed all parties to return to the position they held before the December 10, 2025 decision.
Ekeocha said: “The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025. It directed the claimants to join all necessary parties so that the issues in dispute can be effectually and completely determined.”
The implication is clear. Every action INEC took under the now-vacated judgment must be reversed. That includes the recognition of the NDC, its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers.
Ekeocha clarified that the substantive case has not been decided. He said: “The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment. It directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached.”
The ruling adds to a series of legal battles involving political parties ahead of the next election cycle.