Federal Court Directs INEC to Approve NDP's Registration as a Political Party

A Federal High Court situated in Abuja has mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to officially register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political entity, affirming that the party has fulfilled all constitutional and legislative prerequisites.

The verdict, rendered by Hon. Justice M. G. Umar on February 16, followed an originating application submitted on December 29, 2025, by the plaintiffs represented in the case known as Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori & Ors. v. INEC.

In a certified true copy of the judgment acquired by reporters, the court established that the plaintiffs complied with the stipulations of Sections 222–224 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as the regulations set by INEC for Political Parties introduced in 2022.

The judgment declared that the plaintiffs' political association, the National Democratic Party (NDP), having adhered to all legislative prerequisites, is qualified to be registered as a political party.

Moreover, the court emphasized that INEC holds a statutory obligation to register the group as a recognized political party.

Justice Umar also annulled INEC's letter, referenced INEC/DEPM/AFR/979/1/144, dated December 18, 2025, which had denied the association's registration request, labeling it as null, void, and without any legal impact.

Additionally, the court issued an enforceable directive requiring INEC to register the National Democratic Party (NDP) without delay.

The ruling was delivered in Abuja and was authenticated with the signature of the presiding judge, alongside a seal from the court registrar, Daisy Esa.

This judgment arrives amidst intensified efforts by various political associations seeking recognition in light of the upcoming 2027 general elections. In recent months, INEC has evaluated numerous associations for potential registration; however, only two have successfully gained formal status out of many that had indicated initial interest and met preliminary criteria.

INEC has reiterated the necessity for associations to thoroughly comply with constitutional guidelines and provisions in the Electoral Act before any registration can occur, emphasizing the importance of preventing the emergence of inactive or non-compliant political parties.

Responding to the court's ruling, the NDP's interim National Chairman, Ada Frederick, hailed the decision as a triumph for constitutionalism and participatory democracy.

"The court has validated our stance that we have met all necessary requirements as outlined in Sections 222 to 224 of the Constitution, Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, along with the guidelines provided by INEC for Political Parties in 2022," she stated.

Frederick further remarked that the ruling distinctly establishes the qualifications of the National Democratic Party to be registered as a political entity.

She expressed approval of the court’s decision to nullify INEC’s December 18 letter, which she argued had unfairly obstructed the association's recognition.

"The court has determined that INEC is obliged to register our political association and must proceed to do so without delay. This ruling signifies not only a win for the NDP but also for all Nigerians devoted to the rule of law," she declared.

Frederick promised that the party would promptly enhance its structures nationwide in accordance with constitutional mandates while urging INEC to dutifully implement the court’s order.