In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1115/2026, the plaintiffs are asking the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate issued to the NDC and remove it from the register of political parties.
The case centres on allegations that INEC unlawfully registered the NDC, which is reportedly led by Senator Seriake Dickson, without meeting the legal requirements set out for political party registration in Nigeria.
ADA and Karlahi contend that the commission acted outside its legal powers and failed to comply with provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act. They specifically cited sections 1, 6, 13, 14, 222 and 251 of the Constitution, alongside sections 75 and 79 of the Electoral Act, as having been breached in the process.
According to the originating summons filed through Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Bankole Joel Akomolafe, the plaintiffs maintain that the NDC did not satisfy the constitutional conditions required for recognition as a political party. They further argue that INEC does not have unrestricted authority to register political parties without strict adherence to the law.
The reliefs sought include an order nullifying the registration certificate issued to the NDC, as well as a perpetual injunction preventing INEC from recognising or listing the party for electoral purposes.
The plaintiffs are also requesting a court order restraining the NDC from presenting itself as a registered political party in any form of communication or political activity.
The supporting affidavit, consisting of 25 paragraphs, was deposed to by Karlahi.
INEC and the Nigeria Democratic Congress are listed as defendants in the matter. No hearing date has been assigned.
