A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political party.
The ruling was delivered on Monday in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2796/2025 by Justice M. G. Umar, following a suit filed by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori and three other promoters of the NDP. The plaintiffs had challenged INEC’s refusal to register their political association.
In a firm judgment, Justice Umar held that the promoters had fully complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements for party registration.
The court declared that the plaintiffs satisfied the provisions of Sections 222–224 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
“A declaration is hereby made that the Plaintiffs have met all the requirements of Sections 222–224 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and the Defendant’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” the court ruled.
Justice Umar further declared that the NDP, having fulfilled all legal requirements, is qualified to be registered as a political party, adding that INEC has no residual discretion in the matter and is under a clear legal obligation to register the party.
The court consequently set aside INEC’s rejection letter dated December 18, 2025, describing it as “null, void and of no legal effect,” and ordered the commission to register the NDP forthwith.
In an alternative pronouncement, the judge held that by virtue of Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, the NDP is deemed duly registered as a political party.
According to the certified true copy of the judgment sighted on Thursday, the court also directed INEC to accord the NDP full political rights and privileges, including the issuance of a certificate of registration and all other documents customarily granted to registered political parties.
Reacting to the judgment, the party’s interim National Chairman, Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori, described the decision as a victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
“The judgment has vindicated our party and its members. Your faith in our party has been justified,” she said.
“We will continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of the country, guided by the principles of equity, justice, and democracy.”
