The Federal High Court in Lokoja has overturned its previous judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, creating fresh uncertainty over the party’s legal status.

The latest ruling nullifies the earlier court order that formed the basis for INEC’s recognition of the NDC, effectively removing the party from the list of officially recognised political parties pending any further legal developments.

The NDC had earlier secured a favourable judgment compelling INEC to grant it registration, a decision that generated opposition from several political associations. Acting on the court’s directive, the electoral commission listed the party as a registered political platform.

However, the decision was subsequently challenged by other political groups, including the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which argued that the NDC did not satisfy the legal conditions required for registration. According to the challengers, the party failed to complete the prescribed application process through INEC’s official registration portal and did not submit mandatory documents such as its manifesto and other supporting materials.

After reviewing the matter, the Federal High Court agreed with the objections raised and vacated its earlier judgment. The court held that the order compelling INEC to register the NDC should no longer remain in force.

With the latest ruling, the NDC loses its status as a recognised political party and is currently ineligible to sponsor or present candidates for elections unless it secures fresh registration from INEC.

The judgment effectively returns the party to the beginning of the registration process. To regain official recognition, the NDC must either comply fully with INEC’s registration guidelines and submit a fresh application or challenge the court’s latest decision before the Court of Appeal.

The ruling also relieves INEC of any legal obligation to register the NDC. The court upheld the commission’s position that the previous order compelling registration was affected by legal and procedural issues, including concerns over compliance with statutory requirements.

As it stands, the NDC remains excluded from the list of registered political parties and can only regain that status by successfully appealing the judgment or fulfilling all conditions stipulated by the electoral commission.

The development represents a major setback for the party and adds a new dimension to the legal dispute over its registration, with potential implications for its participation in future electoral contests.