The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  has officially reacted to last week’s bombshell judgment nullifying the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, insisting it will not be stampeded into action until it studies the Certified True Copy of the ruling.

In a statement that signals caution rather than immediate compliance or defiance, the electoral umpire confirmed it is aware of the media frenzy surrounding the Federal High Court, Lokoja ruling delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026. However, the Commission says its legal team is yet to lay hands on the official court order.

 

Also Read : BREAKING: Peter Obi out of 2027 race as Court Cancels NDC Registration

INEC’s “Wait and See” Stance
Speaking via a press release issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission maintained a legally guarded posture. INEC stated that making any substantive comment without first reviewing the CTC would be procedurally improper.

The brief but firm statement reads in part:
“The Independent National Electoral Commission is aware of reports circulating in the media regarding the judgment delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier order concerning the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

“However, as of this moment, the Commission has not yet received the Certified True Copy of the court’s order. Once the Commission’s legal department receives and thoroughly studies the CTC of the judgment, INEC will take an informed, lawful decision in line with the court’s directives.

“Until then, we cannot comment on the specifics of the ruling, and the public is urged to await the Commission’s formal position on the matter.”

Background to the Legal Storm
The Federal High Court in Lokoja had, in a dramatic twist, set aside an earlier order that seemingly validated the NDC’s registration. The ruling has since triggered widespread speculation over the fate of the political group, with some analysts suggesting it could alter the landscape of upcoming electoral contests.

By refusing to react swiftly, INEC appears to be buying valuable time to scrutinize the judgment’s legal minutiae—a move observers say is designed to avoid procedural landmines that could lead to a mistrial or appeal.

For now, the ball is in the court of INEC’s legal department, with the political fate of the NDC hanging in the balance. The Commission assured that once a position is taken, it will be communicated to the public formally.

The deregistration saga is being closely watched by political stakeholders, coming at a time when new movements are seeking to challenge the dominance of legacy parties. INEC’s eventual decision will likely set a precedent for how the courts and the electoral body handle political registration disputes in Nigeria’s democratic journey.