Court Voids NDC Registration, Reverses Earlier Order That Forced INEC to Recognise Party
The Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The fresh ruling removes the legal basis for the party's registration and leaves its status uncertain for now.
The NDC had earlier secured a court order directing INEC to register it, leading the electoral commission to include the party on its list of recognised political parties. That decision, however, attracted objections from other political associations, which questioned whether the party had met all the legal requirements for registration.
One of the challengers, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), argued that the NDC did not complete the registration process through INEC's official portal and failed to submit key documents required by law, including its manifesto and other supporting materials. The challenge prompted the court to reopen the case and review its earlier decision.
In its latest judgment, the court vacated the previous order that compelled INEC to register the NDC. The ruling means the party is no longer recognised as a registered political party and cannot sponsor or field candidates in elections unless it secures fresh recognition from INEC.
The decision also means INEC is no longer under any legal obligation to keep the NDC on its list of registered political parties. The court agreed that there were legal and procedural issues surrounding the earlier judgment, making it necessary to reverse the order.
The latest ruling marks a major turn in the legal battle over the NDC's registration. The party may now choose to appeal the judgment or begin the registration process again by meeting all of INEC's statutory requirements. Until then, its political activities as a recognised party remain on hold.
Source: TheInsightLensProject.com
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