A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the National Democratic Party (NDP) as a political party in Nigeria.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, February 20, 2026, Justice Donatus Okorowo held that the promoters of the NDP had fulfilled all statutory requirements under the Electoral Act 2022 and the Constitution for registration as a political party.
Justice Okorowo ruled that INEC’s refusal to register the party was “unlawful, arbitrary and contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act.”
The court issued a mandatory order (mandamus) directing INEC to issue a certificate of registration to the National Democratic Party within 14 days from the date of judgment.
INEC was also ordered to pay nominal damages of ₦5 million to the plaintiffs for the delay and hardship caused.
Background The National Democratic Party (NDP), led by its national chairman Dr. Okey Nwankwo, had approached the court in 2025 after INEC rejected its application for registration in 2024, citing incomplete documentation and failure to meet the spread requirement. The plaintiffs argued that they had satisfied all conditions and that INEC’s rejection was politically motivated.
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Dr. Okey Nwankwo (NDP National Chairman): “This is a victory for democracy and the rule of law. We are ready to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s political development. We thank the court for upholding justice.”
INEC: The commission has not yet issued an official response but is expected to comply with the court order or appeal the judgment.
Civil Society: Groups like Yiaga Africa and CDD welcomed the ruling as a “positive step toward pluralism” in Nigeria’s political space, urging INEC to register all qualified associations without bias.
The registration of NDP if complied with will increase the number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 19, further diversifying the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This is a developing story.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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