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A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately register the National Democratic Party (NDP), ruling that the association met all constitutional and statutory requirements for registration.

Justice M. G. Umar delivered the judgment on February 16 in a suit filed by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori and others against INEC. The case, instituted on December 29, 2025, challenged INEC’s refusal to register the party.

In the judgment, a certified true copy of which was obtained by journalists on Thursday, the court held that the plaintiffs complied with Sections 222 to 224 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.

Justice Umar declared that the NDP, having fulfilled all legal conditions, is qualified to be registered as a political party and that INEC has a statutory duty to do so.

The court also nullified INEC’s letter dated December 18, 2025, which declined the party’s registration, describing it as null, void, and of no legal effect. A mandatory order was subsequently issued compelling INEC to register the National Democratic Party forthwith.

Reacting to the ruling, NDP interim National Chairman, Ada Frederick, described the judgment as a victory for constitutionalism and participatory democracy.

“The court has affirmed that we met all the requirements of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines,” she said, adding that the decision vindicated the party’s long-held position.

Frederick also welcomed the setting aside of INEC’s rejection letter, urging the commission to promptly comply with the court order. She assured supporters that the party would move quickly to strengthen its structures nationwide in line with constitutional provisions.

The ruling comes amid renewed agitation by political associations seeking registration ahead of the 2027 general elections, as INEC continues to screen applicants while insisting on strict compliance with the law to avoid the proliferation of inactive political parties.

•Source: NaijaNews