Appeal Court Upholds NDC Registration, Overturns Lokoja Ruling

The Court of Appeal has upheld the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as a political party, overturning the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The appellate court ruled against the decision of Justice Isah Dashen, who had in June 2026 set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register the NDC.

The Lokoja ruling followed an application by the Peace Movement Party, PMP, which argued that its interests were affected because it was not included in the original proceedings.

The NDC subsequently appealed the decision, arguing that the Federal High Court lacked the authority to reverse its earlier final judgment through the application.

With the latest Court of Appeal decision, the NDC’s registration has been upheld, providing a fresh legal development in the ongoing dispute over the party’s recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections.