Federal High Court Directs INEC to Register NDP as New Political Party
A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political party.
The decision was delivered by Justice M. G. Umar on February 16 after an originating summons filed on December 29, 2025, by the plaintiffs in the case marked Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori & Ors. v. INEC.
According to a certified true copy of the judgment obtained by journalists on Thursday, the court held that the plaintiffs complied with Sections 222–224 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.
The court declared that the political association, National Democratic Party (NDP), having met all stipulated conditions, “is qualified to be registered as a political party.” It further stated that INEC is legally obligated to register the association.
Justice Umar also set aside INEC’s letter dated December 18, 2025, which rejected the group’s application, describing it as null, void, and without legal effect.
Additionally, the court issued a mandatory order directing INEC to register the National Democratic Party (NDP) immediately. The order was issued in Abuja, signed by the presiding judge and sealed by the court registrar, Daisy Esa.
The ruling comes amid increasing demands by political groups seeking official recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections. In recent months, INEC has screened several associations for registration, though only two have been formally approved so far from the number that initially expressed interest and met preliminary conditions.
INEC has maintained that associations must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act before registration, citing the need to prevent the emergence of inactive or non-compliant parties.
Reacting to the judgment, the NDP interim National Chairman, Ada Frederick, described the ruling as a victory for constitutionalism and participatory democracy.
“The court has affirmed what we have always maintained — that we met all the requirements under Sections 222 to 224 of the Constitution, Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” she said.
She added that the judgment clearly confirms that the National Democratic Party, having fulfilled all legal conditions, “is qualified to be registered as a political party.”
She assured members and supporters that the party would quickly strengthen its nationwide structures in line with constitutional provisions and urged INEC to comply promptly with the court order.
