INEC Yet to Receive Certified True Copy of Court Judgment on NDC Registration
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier court order concerning the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
The commission made this known in a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, following widespread media reports on the court’s latest decision.
According to INEC, while it is aware of the judgment delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, it cannot take an official position until its legal department obtains and carefully studies the Certified True Copy of the court’s ruling.
The electoral body explained that the legal review is necessary to determine the appropriate and lawful course of action in line with the court’s directives.
“Once the Commission’s legal department receives and thoroughly studies the Certified True Copy of the judgment, INEC will take an informed, lawful decision in line with the court’s directives,” the statement said.
The commission also appealed to members of the public and stakeholders to refrain from speculation, stressing that it would not comment on the substance of the judgment until the certified court document is formally received and examined.
The development follows a judgment by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, which reportedly set aside its earlier ruling of December 10, 2025, that had directed INEC to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The latest ruling effectively nullified the earlier order and restored the parties to their previous positions pending further legal proceedings.
The court is also reported to have directed that the substantive suit be heard afresh with all necessary parties properly joined, a move that could further shape the legal dispute surrounding the party’s registration.
INEC’s response indicates that any decision regarding the status of the NDC will only be made after a comprehensive legal assessment of the certified judgment. Until then, the commission maintains that it remains guided by due process and the rule of law.
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Political observers say the matter is likely to attract significant attention as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, with the outcome of the legal process expected to clarify the future of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and its participation in Nigeria’s political landscape.
