Abuja Court adjourns suit seeking to deregister NDC to July 7

Judge orders INEC to be served hearing notice as ADA chieftain challenges party’s registration_

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned to July 7 a fresh suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter on Monday after the plaintiff’s counsel requested time to respond to processes filed by the NDC.

The case comes amid claims by the Obidient Movement that judicial actions are being used to block Peter Obi’s 2027 presidential bid.

—Court Proceedings—

When the suit was called, B.J. Akomolafe appeared for the plaintiff, while Moses Achile represented the NDC, listed as the 2nd defendant. INEC, the 1st defendant, was not in court.

Akomolafe told the court he was served with NDC’s processes “earlier in the morning” and needed time to reply. Justice Umar granted the adjournment and ordered that a hearing notice be issued and served on INEC.

–The Plaintiff’s Case–

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1115/2026, was filed on June 2 by Mr. Ahidjo Karlahi, Protem Director of Organisation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). He is asking the court to declare NDC’s continued recognition by INEC as unconstitutional, illegal, and void.

Karlahi argues that NDC failed to meet mandatory conditions under Sections 221–225A of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

His key allegations:
1. Not prequalified: NDC was not listed among associations cleared for formal application in INEC’s 2025 registration exercise.
2. No fee/portal access: It did not pay the N2,000,000 administrative fee or receive INEC portal access codes.
3. No EC15A form: It did not fill INEC’s Form EC15A, the mandatory application form.
4. Not published: INEC did not list NDC among pre-qualified associations.

“These are not mere allegations – they are matters of public record,” Karlahi said. He is seeking orders to set aside NDC’s Certificate of Registration, stop INEC from dealing with it as a party, and restrain it from electoral activities.

Karlahi said the suit is “solely by me as a citizen” to protect electoral integrity, and “carries no ulterior political or personal motives” for ADA.

“The courts remain the last refuge of the common man and the ultimate guardian of our Constitution. I have faith in the judiciary and trust that justice will be done according to law,” he stated.

—Related Lokoja Ruling–

The Abuja suit follows a June 26 judgement by a Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi, which set aside its earlier order directing INEC to register NDC.

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Justice Isah Dashen ruled the earlier judgement was “constitutionally defective” because the Peace Movement Party (PMP), a necessary party, was not heard. The NDC has vowed to appeal that decision.