The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to approve and upload the modified logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the order in a judgment delivered following a suit filed by the NDC against INEC.
The court directed the electoral commission to approve the modified logo for use by the NDC as its official logo in all activities and elections conducted in Nigeria.
The modified design features a two-finger victory sign on a blue background, with the acronym “NDC” written in red.
The court also barred INEC, its officials, agents and representatives from interfering with the party’s use of the modified logo.
Justice Abdulmalik further directed the commission to immediately upload the logo on its official website to enable the NDC to use it for elections.
The judge also ruled that INEC’s refusal to allow the NDC to alter its colours and logo design was unconstitutional and unlawful.
The decision was based on relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights concerning political participation, equality and freedom of association.
Reacting to the judgment, NDC national leader Seriake Dickson described the decision as a victory for the party in its dispute with INEC.
Dickson, a former Bayelsa State governor and serving senator representing Bayelsa West, said the party had earlier submitted the modified logo to INEC after a National Executive Committee meeting.
According to him, INEC initially uploaded the modified design but later removed it and restored the logo with which the party was originally registered.
He said the party waited for the commission to resolve the matter before seeking legal redress.
Following the court’s decision, Dickson called on NDC candidates and members to begin using the modified logo on campaign materials, including posters, banners and other publicity materials.
The dispute over the party’s logo dates back to its registration process.
The NDC had previously challenged INEC after the commission refused to register the party over its proposed logo. The Federal High Court in Lokoja subsequently ordered INEC to recognise and register the party on December 10, 2025.
INEC complied with the order and announced the registration of the NDC in February 2026.
The party later faced another legal challenge from the Peace Movement Party, which alleged that the NDC’s logo was similar to one it had previously submitted to INEC.
In June, Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside the earlier judgment that led to the NDC’s registration, ruling that the Peace Movement Party was a necessary party that should have been heard.
The NDC rejected the decision and appealed against it, maintaining that there was no order directing INEC to deregister the party.
The party is fielding Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
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