A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately upload and utilise the modified digital logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ruling was delivered by Justice J. O. Abdulmalik in a suit filed by the NDC after INEC removed the party’s newly approved logo from its records and insisted on retaining the original association logo used at registration.
National Leader of the NDC and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday. He explained that the party’s National Executive Committee had approved the modified logo and forwarded it to INEC, which initially uploaded it. Without any official explanation, the commission later deleted the updated version and reverted to the old logo.
“The party had, at our first NEC meeting, approved and forwarded our modified logo to INEC, which subsequently uploaded it. However, without any reason communicated to us, INEC later removed the modified logo and insisted on using the old logo of the association,” Dickson said.
After giving INEC adequate time to correct the situation without success, the NDC approached the court. The judge granted the party’s prayers, ordering INEC to upload and use the modified digital logo as contained in the party’s constitution.
Dickson welcomed the judgment, describing it as a timely intervention by the judiciary that upholds due process. He directed all party candidates and members to immediately adopt the approved logo in all campaign materials, including banners, posters and other publicity items.
He noted that both the old and new logos feature the two-finger victory sign, but emphasised that the modified version is the authentic and constitutionally approved symbol of the NDC. Candidates who had already produced materials with the old logo were advised to transition promptly, with the party expressing regret for any inconvenience caused.
Dickson assured members there was no cause for panic, stressing that experienced leaders were managing the situation. He said the NDC would embark on sensitisation programmes to educate party faithful and the public on the correct logo, adding that sufficient time remains before the 2027 elections.
“We regard the challenges surrounding this matter as part of the administrative machinations we have continued to confront. But we want to assure our members that we are democratic fighters. We do not run away from battles,” he stated.
The NDC leader concluded by thanking members, candidates and supporters for their patience and reaffirming the party’s commitment to its vision.
