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A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday set aside its earlier judgment of December 10, 2025, which had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Delivering his ruling in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, Justice Isah Dashen held that all relevant parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made in the matter.

The court upheld the application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), ruling that the party is a necessary party to the suit.

Justice Dashen noted that counsel to the PMP successfully demonstrated the party’s legal interest, which warranted its inclusion in the proceedings.

According to the judge, the earlier judgment was constitutionally defective as it was delivered without hearing from all interested parties.

He declared that such an omission rendered the entire process null and void.

Justice Dashen further ruled that the status quo be restored to what it was before the December 2025 judgment, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

He also observed that certain material facts were suppressed in the earlier proceedings, which justified the decision to set aside the judgment.

Consequently, the court ordered that the substantive suit commence afresh, with INEC, the Peace Movement Party (PMP), and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as parties to the case.

Counsel to the applicant, C.S. Ekeocha, told journalists that the Peace Movement Party approached the court after discovering that the NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had previously submitted to INEC before the commencement of the suit.

According to Ekeocha, the court agreed that the applicant’s rights had been affected and consequently vacated the earlier judgment.

“The court has ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the judgment of December 10, 2025, and directed the claimants to join all necessary parties to ensure the issues in dispute are effectually and completely determined,” he said.

He explained that the implication of the ruling is that every action taken by INEC in compliance with the now-vacated judgment stands reversed.

“The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit,” Ekeocha stated.

He, however, clarified that the substantive case remains before the court and has not been decided.

“The matter has not been concluded. The court merely set aside its previous judgment and directed that the party whose interests were affected be joined so that all sides can be heard before a fresh decision is reached.”

Ekeocha also dismissed suggestions that the court merely ordered parties to maintain the status quo, insisting that the ruling specifically directed a restoration of the position that existed before the December 10, 2025 judgment.

The ruling effectively returns the dispute over the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to the Federal High Court for a fresh hearing, with all relevant parties expected to participate before a new determination is made.

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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has launched a Women in Leadership Programme to build a pipeline of female leaders and expand career opportunities in Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital technology sectors.

—“A structured community, not a one-off”—

Unveiled in Abuja Thursday, the initiative will provide mentorship, professional networks, and capacity-building to help women take on greater responsibility within the regulatory and wider telecoms industry.

Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the programme is the Commission’s first deliberate effort to create a structured mentorship community for female professionals in regulation.

“Although several leadership initiatives for women exist, this is our first deliberate effort to create a structured community. We want to build a mentorship network for female professionals within the regulatory environment,” Makama said.

She added that the goal is permanence: “We want to institutionalise it so that when I leave the NCC, it will be adopted. It is not going to die with me; it is here to stay.”

—Leveraging NCC’s 70% female director base—

Makama highlighted existing gender progress: women currently hold about 70% of director-level positions at the NCC.

“We want to harness that energy and wisdom and channel it into developing women working in regulation. We must continue to build and scale female leadership across the industry,” she said.

—Maida: Platform to inspire the next generation—

NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Aminu Maida, described the programme as strategic for preparing future leaders.

“This gathering will encourage women to aspire and reach the top of their careers,” Maida said, noting many talented women in the Commission have the potential to assume key roles.

“I see a lot of promise in the next generation of women in the commission,” he added.

Court issues fresh arrest warrant for Police Officer over N300m “criminal eviction” in Maitama

—What the programme will do—

1. Mentorship community: Pair senior female regulators with early- and mid-career professionals for knowledge transfer.
2. Networking & knowledge sharing: Create platforms for cross-sector learning and visibility.
3. Institutionalised capacity-building: Embed the programme into NCC’s long-term framework beyond current leadership tenures.

The NCC says the initiative is expected to drive greater gender inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development as part of building a more diverse and innovative telecoms industry in Nigeria. [Culled from NAN]

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described the victory of Jide Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper, at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice as a major victory for journalism and press freedom in Nigeria.

The union, in its reaction to the judgment awarding N10 million in damages against the Nigerian government over the violation of Oyekunle’s rights, said the ruling represents an important step towards protecting journalists and defending media freedom.

The NUJ in a statement signed by the National Secretary, Achike Chude on Wednesday commended the efforts of Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) for providing legal support and standing with the journalist throughout the legal process.

It said the judgment serves as a reminder of the need for the protection of journalists who perform their constitutional duty of informing the public, adding that attacks and harassment against media practitioners must not go unchecked.

The union urged the Nigerian government to comply with the ECOWAS Court judgment by paying the N10 million damages awarded to Oyekunle without delay.

According to the NUJ, prompt compliance with the ruling would demonstrate respect for the rule of law and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to upholding human rights and press freedom.

The union further called for stronger measures to guarantee the safety and independence of journalists across the country.

Signed 

Comrade Achike Chude 
National Secretary