A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Isah Dashen on Friday. News of the decision was shared by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a post on X.
The latest judgment comes as several opposition parties face legal and internal challenges. Recently, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements.
Under Nigerian law, political parties must secure at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or win at least one elective position at the national, state, or local government level to remain registered.
The Lokoja ruling adds another twist to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
