BREAKING: Court Directs INEC To Recognize NDP As Official Political Party

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political party, ruling that the group has satisfied all constitutional and statutory requirements.

Justice M. G. Umar delivered the judgment on February 16 in the case filed by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori and others against INEC, which was initiated on December 29, 2025. According to a certified true copy of the judgment obtained by journalists, the court found that the plaintiffs met the provisions of Sections 222–224 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, alongside INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.

The court affirmed that the NDP is legally qualified for registration and emphasized that INEC has a statutory obligation to effectuate the registration. Justice Umar also nullified INEC’s December 18, 2025, letter rejecting the party’s registration, declaring it null and void. The ruling included a mandatory order compelling INEC to register the NDP without delay. The order was issued in Abuja under the signature of the presiding judge and sealed by the court registrar, Daisy Esa.

Reacting to the judgment, NDP interim National Chairman Ada Frederick described the ruling as a victory for constitutionalism and participatory democracy. She stated that the court confirmed the party had fully complied with all legal requirements and expressed satisfaction that INEC’s previous rejection had been overturned. Frederick added that the decision is not only a triumph for the NDP but also for Nigerians committed to the rule of law.

She further assured party members and supporters that the NDP would promptly strengthen its structures nationwide in line with constitutional provisions, while urging INEC to comply immediately with the court order.

The ruling comes amid renewed interest from political associations seeking recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC has screened several associations in recent months, though only two have been formally registered so far. The commission has emphasized the need for strict compliance with constitutional and electoral requirements to prevent the registration of inactive or non-compliant political parties.