Politics:
2027 Polls: Court Asked to Void NDC Recognition, Remove Party from INEC Register
A fresh legal battle has emerged over the status of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), as a suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeks to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The case, filed by Ahidjo Karlahi, the Protem Director of Organisation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), was registered as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1115/2026 and assigned to Justice Mohammed Umar.
Karlahi is challenging the legality of the NDC’s registration, alleging that the party failed to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements governing political party registration in Nigeria.
According to the plaintiff, the NDC was not among the associations prequalified by INEC during the 2025 political party registration exercise. He further claimed that the party did not pay the prescribed administrative fee and failed to complete Form EC15A through INEC’s designated registration portal.
Karlahi maintained that the alleged shortcomings are verifiable matters of public record and form the basis of his request for judicial intervention.
The suit seeks a declaration that the continued recognition of the NDC by INEC is unlawful and an order directing the electoral commission to remove the party from its register of recognised political parties.
Describing the action as a defence of democratic principles, Karlahi said the case was instituted to uphold constitutionalism, the rule of law and electoral integrity.
The legal challenge comes despite recent assurances from NDC founder and national leader, Seriake Dickson, who has repeatedly stated that the party remains legally recognised and fully prepared for the 2027 electoral cycle.
Meanwhile, INEC has reiterated that political parties must comply with timelines and regulations governing electoral activities.
The commission recently warned that any political party primary election conducted outside its May 30, 2026 deadline would remain invalid unless a higher court overturns existing judicial decisions on the matter.
Speaking on the issue, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, stressed that political parties are obligated to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the commission’s approved timetable.
Although a Federal High Court ruling had earlier nullified aspects of INEC’s timetable for the 2027 elections, the commission has appealed the judgment and secured legal backing from a separate ruling affirming its authority to issue and amend election schedules.
As the legal contest over the NDC unfolds, political observers say the outcome could have significant implications for party participation and electoral preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The court has yet to fix a date for hearing the matter.
