The registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) — the party of 2027 presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso — has been thrown into serious legal uncertainty after a Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside the judgment that originally directed INEC to register it as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen delivered the ruling on Friday, June 27, 2026, finding that the earlier December 10, 2025, judgment had been made without hearing the Peace Movement Party (PMP) — a party that alleged its own logo had been used as the basis for the NDC’s successful registration application.
The PMP approached the court after discovering what it described as the unauthorised use of a logo it had previously submitted to INEC before the NDC’s registration case began.
The court agreed that the PMP’s rights had been affected and that it should have been included as a party to the proceedings before any judgment was delivered.
INEC Ordered to Reverse NDC Registration and Certificate
Lawyer to the Peace Movement Party, C.S. Ekeocha, explained the full scope of the ruling outside court.
“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.
The practical consequences of the ruling are significant. Ekeocha confirmed that INEC must now undo every action it took as a result of the earlier judgment.
“The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” he said.
He was also careful to clarify that the matter is far from over.
“The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached,” Ekeocha added.
The case will now return to the Federal High Court in Lokoja for a full hearing with all parties — including the PMP — participating.
The outcome will determine whether the NDC retains its status as a registered party, and if their popular candidate, Peter Obi will even be in the ballot for the 2027 general elections.
Follow JolibaLive News for live updates on the NDC registration dispute and all 2027 pre-election legal developments.
