A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political party.

The decisive judgment was delivered on Monday in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2796/2025 by Justice M. G. Umar, following a suit instituted by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori and three other promoters of the NDP, who challenged INEC’s refusal to register their political association.

In a firm and far-reaching ruling, Justice Umar held that the plaintiffs had complied fully with all constitutional and statutory requirements for party registration.

He declared that the promoters satisfied the provisions of Sections 222–224 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.

The court held unequivocally: “A declaration is hereby made that the Plaintiffs have met all the requirements of Sections 222–224 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act 2022, and the Defendant’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.”

Justice Umar further ruled: “A declaration is hereby made that the Plaintiffs’ political association, National Democratic Party (NDP), having fulfilled all legal requirements, is qualified to be registered as a political party.” He added that INEC, having no residual discretion in the matter, was under a clear legal duty to register the party.

Consequently, the court set aside INEC’s rejection letter dated December 18, 2025, describing it as “null, void and of no legal effect.” In a consequential order, the judge compelled INEC to register the NDP forthwith.

In an alternative but equally binding pronouncement, Justice Umar held that “by virtue of Section 75(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Plaintiffs’ Political Association, National Democratic Party (NDP), is deemed duly registered as a political party.”

The certified true copy of  court judgement sighted on Thursday, the court also ordered INEC to accord the NDP full political rights and privileges and to issue it with a certificate of registration and all other documents customarily given to registered political parties.

Reacting to the judgment, the interim National Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori, described the ruling as a victory for democracy. She said the decision further reinforced the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

According to her, the judgment had vindicated the party and its members. “Your faith in our party has been justified,” Okwori said.

“We will continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of the country, guided by the principles of equity, justice, and democracy.”