- The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to forthwith approve and utilise the modified digital logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as the party’s official logo.
- Justice J. O. Abdulmalik ruled that INEC’s refusal to permit the NDC to modify and use its constitutionally approved logo, despite the party’s compliance with the required process, amounted to an infringement of its constitutional and statutory rights.
- The court recognised the NDC’s modified design as a digitally created “two fingers victory sign” on a blue background, with the acronym “NDC” written in red, as approved by the party’s first National Executive Committee meeting.
- The ruling is expected to end the controversy over the logo ahead of the 2027 elections, with the NDC directing its candidates and members to immediately adopt the modified design in campaign banners, posters and other party-related materials.
September 10, (THEWILL) – The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise and utilise the modified digital logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Justice J. O. Abdulmalik, who presided over the Abuja Judicial Division of the court, delivered the judgement on September 8, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1814/2026 filed by the NDC against INEC on August 11, 2026.
In the judgement order, the court held that INEC’s refusal to permit the NDC to modify and use its new colour and logo design, despite the party’s compliance with the requirements for the modification, was unconstitutional and amounted to an infringement of the party’s constitutional and statutory rights.
The court relied on provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Sections 7(2)(a), 14(1)(C), 40, 221 and 222, as well as Article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.
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Court Orders Immediate Recognition
Justice Abdulmalik specifically ordered INEC, its servants, agents and officers to forthwith approve the modified logo design of the NDC, including its symbol and colours.
The court described the design as a digitally designed “Two fingers victory sign” with a blue background, with the word “NDC” written in red.
The judge ordered that the modified design should serve as the NDC’s official logo for all purposes as a political party, including all elections conducted by INEC in Nigeria.
The ruling followed the court’s finding that the refusal by INEC to allow the NDC to modify and use the design approved by its leadership amounted to an infringement of the party’s constitutional and statutory rights.
The NDC had argued that it had complied with the requirements for the modification of its logo but that INEC subsequently refused to recognise the new design.
According to the NDC, the controversy arose after its first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, held at the party’s national headquarters at No. 4 Odienna Close, off Libreville Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, approved and subsequently forwarded the modified logo to INEC, which initially uploaded it.
However, according to the NDC, INEC later removed the modified logo without communicating any reason to the party and reverted to the old logo associated with the association under which the party was originally registered.
The party said it disagreed with the decision and gave INEC sufficient time to correct the situation before resorting to litigation.
The court subsequently upheld the NDC’s position, declaring the refusal to permit the modification and use of the party’s approved design an infringement of its rights.
NDC Hails Judiciary
Reacting to the judgement, the NDC welcomed the ruling, describing it as a vindication of the party’s position and commending the judiciary for what it described as a timely intervention.
“We, therefore, commend the judiciary for its timely intervention and welcome the judgment directing INEC to forthwith upload and utilise our modified digital logo”, the party said.
It also commended its members, particularly its candidates, for their patience and understanding during the dispute.
The party directed all candidates and members to immediately begin using the modified logo in campaign materials, including banners, posters and other publicity materials.
The party, however, acknowledged that some candidates and members might already have made arrangements using the other logo and expressed regret over the inconvenience that the transition could cause.
It stressed that both designs retain the two-finger victory sign, while urging members to now transition to the logo approved in the party’s constitution.
The party described the modified design as its authentic logo and said it was also the version more widely recognised by the public.
‘No Reason For Panic’ — NDC
The party also sought to reassure members and candidates following the resolution of the dispute, saying there was no reason for panic.
“I want to assure everyone that the party has experienced and strategic leaders who understand what we are doing. Therefore, nobody should panic”, the NDC national leader, Seriake Dickson, said, adding that members remained free to raise questions and concerns but insisted that the party had the leadership and strategy to navigate the situation.
The NDC described the controversy surrounding its logo as part of what it called “administrative machinations” it had continued to confront.
“We are democratic fighters. We do not run away from battles”, the party said, adding that the court judgement had once again vindicated its position and expressed appreciation to the judiciary.
Candidates Told To Switch Logo
Following the judgement, the NDC directed all its candidates and members to use the constitutionally approved modified digital logo in all campaign and party-related materials.
It said it would issue a formal statement and embark on appropriate publicity to ensure that candidates, members and the general public were properly guided on the approved design.
The party also said it would sensitise voters ahead of the 2027 elections to avoid confusion arising from the previous use of the two designs.
The NDC expressed confidence that there was sufficient time for candidates and supporters to make the transition before the elections.
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