Court Rules In Landmark Decision: INEC Must Register NDP As Official Political Party

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

Justice M. G. Umar delivered the judgment on February 16 in the case Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori & Ors. v. INEC, filed on December 29, 2025.

A certified copy of the judgment obtained by journalists on Thursday shows that the court found the plaintiffs had 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 and INEC’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

The court declared that the NDP, having satisfied all legal requirements, is fully qualified to be registered as a political party. It further emphasized that INEC has a statutory obligation to complete the registration.

Justice Umar also nullified INEC’s December 18, 2025 letter (referenced INEC/DEPM/AFR/979/1/144) that had rejected the association’s registration, describing it as null, void, and of no legal effect. The court issued a mandatory order compelling INEC to register the National Democratic Party without delay. The order was signed in Abuja by the presiding judge and sealed by the court registrar, Daisy Esa.

Judgment a Triumph for Democracy – NDP

Responding to the ruling, NDP Interim National Chairman Ada Frederick hailed it 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 222–224 of the Constitution, Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022,” she said.

Frederick noted that the judgment establishes that the NDP, having met all legal requirements, “is qualified to be registered as a political party.” She also welcomed the court’s nullification of INEC’s December 18, 2025 letter, which she said unjustly denied the party recognition.

“The court has declared that INEC has a duty to register our political association and has now compelled the commission to do so immediately. This is not just a victory for the NDP but for all Nigerians who value the rule of law,” she stated.

She assured members and supporters that the party would move quickly to strengthen its structures nationwide in compliance with constitutional provisions and urged INEC to promptly comply with the court order.

The ruling comes amid increased activity by political associations seeking formal recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections. In recent months, INEC has screened several associations, though only two have been formally registered so far.

The commission has maintained that all associations must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act before registration, citing the need to prevent the proliferation of inactive or non-compliant political parties.