The Independent National Electoral Commission has been ordered by the Federal High Court to immediately register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political party, following a judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Umar.
In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2796/2025, filed by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori, the National Chairman of the NDP, and three others, the court ruled that the applicants satisfied all constitutional and statutory conditions required for political party registration.
Justice Umar held that the group “met all requirements stipulated under Sections 222–224 of the 1999 Constitution, Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.”
According to the Certified True Copy of the judgment issued on February 16, 2026, the court declared that the NDP had fulfilled all legal obligations and therefore must be recognized as a political party.
“The plaintiffs’ political association, National Democratic Party (NDP), having complied with all legal provisions, is qualified and entitled to be registered as a political party,” Justice Umar stated.
The court also nullified INEC’s earlier letter dated December 18, 2025, which had declined or failed to grant the registration request. Justice Umar described the commission’s action as “null, void, and of no legal effect.”
In a consequential order, the judge compelled INEC to register the NDP without delay, directing the electoral body to grant it “full political rights and privileges of a registered political party” and issue all necessary documentation, including a certificate of registration.
The court added that if INEC failed to carry out the registration, the NDP would automatically be deemed registered by operation of Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act 2022.
