By The9jaTREND
A chieftain of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Ahidjo Ibrahim Karlahi has instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the deregistration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The suit is questioning the legality of the NDC’s registration as a political party.
According to court documents, Karlahi is asking the court to declare INEC’s registration of the NDC unconstitutional, null and void, alleging that the party did not comply with the constitutional and statutory requirements governing political party registration in Nigeria. He is also seeking an order compelling the party to surrender its Certificate of Registration for cancellation.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1115/2026, was filed in early June and has been assigned to Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The plaintiff contends that INEC acted improperly in granting recognition to the NDC and is urging the court to direct the electoral body to withdraw the party’s registration.
The case adds to the growing controversy surrounding the NDC’s emergence on Nigeria’s political landscape. Critics have questioned the circumstances of its registration, while party officials maintain that INEC acted in compliance with a valid court order and followed due process.
The NDC has consistently defended its registration, insisting that it was lawfully recognized by INEC and remains a legitimate political party. Party leaders have previously dismissed allegations of irregularities and vowed to defend their status in court.
As of the time of filing this report, no hearing date had been fixed for the matter. Political observers say the outcome of the case could have significant implications for the NDC and the broader political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.