The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a Federal High Court judgment that set aside an earlier order directing it to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola.
The commission said that although it is aware of media reports on the ruling delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on June 26, 2026, it cannot take a formal position until it receives and reviews the certified court document.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission is aware of reports circulating in the media regarding the judgment delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier order concerning the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress,” the statement said.
“However, as of this moment, the Commission has not yet received the Certified True Copy of the court’s order.”
INEC added that its legal department would study the document once received before advising on the appropriate next steps.
“Once the Commission’s legal department receives and thoroughly studies the CTC of the judgment, INEC will take an informed, lawful decision in line with the court’s directives. Until then, we cannot comment on the specifics of the ruling, and the public is urged to await the Commission’s formal position on the matter,” Oketola added.
The Federal High Court in Lokoja had on Friday set aside its December 10, 2025, judgment which previously directed INEC to register the NDC as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen held that the rights of the Peace Movement Party were affected by the earlier ruling, noting that it was not joined in the original suit despite claiming ownership of the logo used in securing the registration order.
The court consequently ordered that all parties be restored to their positions before the December 2025 judgment and directed that the case be heard afresh with all necessary parties joined.
The NDC has rejected the ruling and announced plans to appeal, with its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, insisting the party had not been deregistered and that the court lacked jurisdiction to revisit a final judgment.
The development has also drawn reactions from opposition figures, including the party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi and National Leader Senator Henry Dickson, who described the decision as a threat to multiparty democracy.
INEC, however, maintained that it will reserve further comment until it reviews the Certified True Copy of the judgment.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.