More Condemnations Trail NDC Deregistration Ruling, INEC Awaits CTC

A fresh wave of condemnations has followed a court ruling that upheld the deregistration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) awaits the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to officially remove the party from its register.

The development marks the latest phase in the ongoing legal and administrative process surrounding the deregistration of several political parties in Nigeria. According to reports, the court dismissed challenges brought against the electoral body’s decision, paving the way for INEC to proceed with the formal deregistration once it receives the official court document.

Political stakeholders, opposition figures, and civil society organisations have strongly criticised the ruling, describing it as a setback for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. Critics argue that the deregistration of the NDC, alongside other parties, narrows the political space and limits voters’ choices in future elections.

“This ruling is deeply concerning. Deregistering political parties without adequate recourse or transparent criteria undermines the very essence of democratic pluralism,” a political analyst stated. Rights groups have echoed similar sentiments, calling for a review of the legal framework guiding party registration and deregistration to ensure fairness, due process, and protection of political diversity.

INEC, on its part, has maintained that its actions are guided by the Electoral Act and the constitutional provisions regulating political parties. The commission clarified that it is bound by judicial decisions and will act in accordance with the law once the Certified True Copy of the ruling is duly filed and verified.

The NDC’s deregistration is part of a broader exercise that has seen several parties removed from INEC’s register over alleged non-compliance with statutory requirements, including failure to field candidates in previous elections, maintain functional national structures, or meet financial reporting obligations. However, the move has sparked intense debate, with supporters of the affected parties alleging political bias and selective enforcement.

Legal experts note that the affected parties may still explore further appellate options, depending on the specifics of the ruling and the statutory timeframe for appeals. Meanwhile, INEC is expected to update its official register of political parties once the CTC is received and processed.

As reactions continue to mount, the development has reignited calls for electoral reforms that balance regulatory compliance with the protection of political pluralism. Stakeholders are urging all parties to respect judicial processes while advocating for a more inclusive, transparent, and predictable framework for party registration in Nigeria.