Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the National Democratic Party as a political party, declaring that the association met all constitutional and statutory requirements for registration.
In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2796/2025 filed by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori, the National Chairman of the NDP, and three others, the court held that the plaintiffs complied with Sections 222–224 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.
Delivering judgment on February 16, 2026, Justice Umar declared that the political association, National Democratic Party (NDP), had fulfilled all legal conditions necessary for registration and that INEC was under a binding obligation to register it.
“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 Certified True Copy of the judgment read.
The court further declared that the NDP, having satisfied all legal requirements, is qualified to be registered as a political party.
Justice Umar also nullified INEC’s letter dated December 18, 2025 (Ref. No. INEC/DEPM/AFR/979/1/144), which had declined or failed to approve the party’s registration, describing it as null, void and of no legal effect.
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In a consequential order, the court compelled the electoral body to register the NDP “forthwith,” directing it to accord the association full political rights and privileges of a registered political party and to issue it a certificate of registration and all relevant documentation.
“An Order is hereby made compelling the Defendant to register the Plaintiffs’ Political Association, National Democratic Party (NDP), as a political party forthwith,” the judgment stated.
Alternatively, the court ruled that if INEC fails to effect the registration, the NDP shall be deemed duly registered by operation of Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act 2022.
The ruling is expected to reignite debate over INEC’s discretionary powers in party registration and the constitutional thresholds required for political associations seeking formal recognition.
