(DDM) – A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political party.
The ruling was delivered on February 16 by Justice M. G. Umar in a suit filed by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori and others against INEC. The case, marked Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori & Ors. v. INEC, stemmed from an originating summons dated December 29, 2025, challenging the electoral body’s refusal to register the association.
According to a certified true copy of the judgment obtained by journalists, the court held that the plaintiffs had complied fully with the relevant constitutional and statutory provisions governing the registration of political parties in Nigeria. Specifically, the court found that the association satisfied the requirements of Sections 222 to 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.
Justice Umar declared that the National Democratic Party, having met all stipulated legal conditions, is qualified to be registered as a political party. The court further ruled that INEC is under a legal obligation to grant the registration.
In addition, the judge set aside INEC’s earlier letter dated December 18, 2025, which rejected the group’s application. The court described the letter as null and void, stating that it lacked legal effect.
The judgment also included a mandatory order compelling INEC to immediately proceed with the registration of the NDP. The order was issued in Abuja, signed by the presiding judge, and sealed by the court registrar, Daisy Esa.
The development comes at a time when several political associations are seeking formal recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections. In recent months, INEC has screened multiple groups that expressed interest in becoming political parties. However, only a limited number have been approved so far, as the commission insists on strict compliance with constitutional and electoral guidelines.
INEC has consistently maintained that adherence to legal provisions is necessary to prevent the proliferation of inactive or non-compliant parties and to ensure that only serious and well-structured associations are granted registration.
Reacting to the ruling, the NDP’s interim National Chairman, Ada Frederick, described the judgment as a victory for constitutionalism and participatory democracy. She said the court’s decision affirmed the party’s longstanding position that it had fulfilled all legal requirements for registration.
Frederick also assured members and supporters that the party would move swiftly to strengthen its structures nationwide in accordance with constitutional provisions. She urged INEC to comply promptly with the court’s directive, emphasizing that the ruling reinforces the principles of fairness and due process within Nigeria’s democratic system.
