The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has been dealt a major setback as a court ruling in Lokoja has overturned the earlier judgment that mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. Vice Presidential candidate of the NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on party supporters, particularly those linked to the Obident and Kwankwasiyya movements, to remain calm and await further legal action. The decision, delivered by Justice Isa H. Dashen on Wednesday, nullified the December 10, 2025, ruling that had favored the NDC’s registration, citing its impact on the legal rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claims ownership of the logo used by the NDC.
The Peace Movement Party, however, was not a party to the original lawsuit, and its involvement in the new ruling has drawn criticism from Kwankwaso and other political observers. Speaking during an interview posted on X, Kwankwaso expressed deep disappointment that the court would base its decision on a claim from what he described as a “non-existent entity.” He emphasized that the NDC’s logo — featuring a victory sign with fingers — is entirely distinct from that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and therefore, should not have been grounds for rejection under existing electoral laws.
Kwankwaso noted that from December 2025 to the present, INEC had not appealed the initial court ruling and had, in fact, proceeded with the registration process. He highlighted that INEC officials had actively participated in all NDC events, including national conventions and special gatherings, which he said confirmed the commission’s acknowledgment of the party’s legitimacy. The reversal, he argued, came as a shock not only to NDC members but also to other political parties and well-wishers both within and outside Nigeria.
Despite the setback, Kwankwaso assured that the NDC is preparing to file an appeal and seek an injunction to halt any further action against the party. He stated that legal proceedings would begin as early as Monday, with the goal of restoring the party’s registration. “As law-abiding people in this country, we will go to court as soon as possible,” he said, urging supporters to exercise patience and trust in the justice system.
The NDC’s registration has become a significant issue in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as the party seeks to position itself ahead of upcoming elections. The court’s decision has raised questions about judicial consistency and the influence of unregistered groups on electoral processes. With the NDC now preparing for legal battle, the case may set a precedent for how electoral disputes involving party logos and identity are handled in the future. The outcome will likely influence party dynamics and voter confidence in Nigeria’s electoral institutions.
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