The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to appeal Friday’s Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja, Kogi State, which set aside an earlier ruling that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
Speaking on Friday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, said the NDC would obtain and study the full text of the judgment before taking further legal action.
“We are waiting to see the text of the judgment, study it and exercise our right to appeal,” Osa Director said.
The court judgment, delivered by Justice Isah Dashen, reportedly nullified the December 10, 2025, ruling that had directed INEC to register the NDC, following an application brought by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that it was not joined in the original proceedings despite having a legal interest in the matter.
The judge held that all parties with vested interests ought to have been given the opportunity to participate in the case and consequently ordered that the matter be heard afresh with the relevant parties properly joined.
The ruling effectively restored the status quo that existed before the earlier judgment pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, argued before the court that the NDC’s registration process allegedly involved a logo that had earlier been submitted to INEC by the Peace Movement Party, a contention which the court considered sufficient to warrant the party’s participation in the proceedings.
The development has opened a fresh chapter in the legal battle over the registration of the NDC, with the party insisting that the judicial process is far from concluded.
According to Osa Director, the NDC remains confident in its legal position and will pursue all constitutional avenues to defend its registration and political activities.
The party maintained that while it respects the court’s decision, it would not relent in seeking redress through the appellate process, expressing optimism that a higher court would provide clarity on the issues raised in the judgment.