The recent decision of the Federal High Court in Lokoja to reverse its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has reignited national debate over judicial accountability, electoral justice and political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ruling has drawn reactions from political leaders, legal experts and civil society groups, with many expressing concerns about its implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.
The NDC is the political platform of Peter Obi, who is contesting the January 2027 presidential election, with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso serving as his running mate.
Justice Isah Dashen ruled that the court’s earlier judgment of December 10, 2025, adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo relied upon in securing the registration order. According to counsel for the applicant, C. S. Ekeocha, the court agreed that the PMP should have been joined in the original suit before any decision was reached. The court consequently vacated its previous judgment and directed all parties to return to their positions before the December 10 ruling pending a fresh hearing with all necessary parties included.
Ekeocha explained that the judgment effectively nullified actions taken by INEC under the earlier order, including the issuance of the NDC’s certificate of registration, its recognition by the electoral commission and its inclusion in official records.
“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.
He added that the substantive matter remains before the court and has not been finally determined. The NDC has rejected the ruling.
National Leader of the party, Seriake Dickson, announced that the party had filed an appeal and an application for stay of execution. According to him, INEC had also granted the party access to its nomination portal, enabling it to upload the names of its candidates in line with the electoral timetable.
Dickson stated that his name and that of the party’s presidential candidate had already been uploaded, while the vice-presidential nomination would follow after completion of necessary documentation. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the ruling as reinforcing concerns about attempts to frustrate opposition platforms capable of providing Nigerians with broader electoral choices.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also criticised the judgment, arguing that a court becomes functus officio after delivering a final judgment and lacks the authority to reverse its own final decision except in circumstances recognised by law. He maintained that actions already taken under the previous judgment remain legally valid until overturned by a higher court.
The ruling has revived wider conversations about the role of the judiciary in Nigeria’s electoral process. Several analysts argue that increasing reliance on court decisions to determine political outcomes has heightened concerns about judicial consistency and public confidence.
Civil society organisation ActionAid cited previous election-related judgments involving Plateau State lawmakers, former Senate President Ahmed Lawan and the 2023 presidential election petitions as examples that continue to generate debate about judicial accountability. The organisation noted that election litigation has increased significantly over successive election cycles, urging stronger reforms to improve transparency, consistency and public trust in electoral justice.
As the legal battle over the NDC’s registration proceeds on appeal, attention is expected to remain on both the judiciary and INEC. The outcome could influence not only the participation of political parties in the 2027 elections but also broader discussions on judicial independence, electoral integrity and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
