A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, reopening the legal dispute over the party's registration.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Isah Dashen held that the court's earlier judgment was made without joining the Peace Movement Party (PMP), a party that claims ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC, thereby affecting its legal rights.

Counsel to the Peace Movement Party, C.S. Ekeocha, said his client approached the court after discovering that the NDC's registration was based on a logo the PMP had previously submitted to INEC before the original suit was instituted.

According to Ekeocha, the court ordered all parties to revert to the position they occupied before its December 10, 2025 judgment and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to the suit.

"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 explained that the ruling effectively nullifies every action taken by INEC pursuant to the earlier judgment recognising the NDC.

"The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC's records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit," Ekeocha stated.

He clarified that the court's latest decision does not determine the merits of the dispute but merely restores the matter for fresh adjudication with all affected parties before the court.

"The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached," he added.

The ruling means the controversy surrounding the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress will return to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before the court reaches a final determination.