The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to approve, upload and utilise the modified logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for all electoral activities, bringing to an end a legal dispute between the opposition party and the electoral umpire over its official symbol.

The judgment, delivered by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik, also restrained INEC from interfering with the use of the party’s new logo, which features a digitally designed “two-finger victory sign” on a blue background with the acronym “NDC” boldly written in red.

The court’s decision followed a suit instituted by the NDC after INEC allegedly removed the party’s modified logo from its records and reverted to the association logo under which the party was originally registered.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director Esq., the party said its National Executive Committee (NEC), at its first meeting held on March 25, 2026, approved the modification of the party’s logo in line with its constitution and formally communicated the decision to INEC.

According to the party, the electoral commission initially uploaded the modified logo but later removed it without providing any explanation and reinstated the old association logo.

The NDC stated that several efforts were made to resolve the matter administratively before resorting to legal action.

“The party afforded INEC sufficient time to correct the error at the administrative level. When that did not happen, the party had no option but to seek legal redress,” the statement said.

In the judgment, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that INEC, its servants, agents and officers should immediately approve and recognise the modified logo design of the plaintiff for use as its official logo in all elections conducted by the commission.

The court specifically held that the logo, including its symbol and colours, should be recognised as the official emblem of the party for all electoral and political purposes.

The court further granted a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from stopping, hindering or interfering with the party’s use of the digitally designed two-finger victory sign as its official logo.

Reacting to the judgment, the NDC welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory for internal party democracy and the rule of law.

The party commended the judiciary for what it termed a timely intervention in safeguarding its rights and ensuring compliance with due process.

Following the judgment, the NDC has directed all its candidates, elected officials, party organs and members nationwide to immediately adopt and use only the approved logo on all campaign and publicity materials, including posters, banners, billboards, handbills and other electoral paraphernalia.

The party, however, acknowledged that some candidates and members might have already printed campaign materials bearing the old logo due to the uncertainty created by the dispute.

It expressed regret over any inconvenience caused and assured affected members that the matter had now been conclusively resolved.

The NDC also announced plans to embark on a nationwide sensitisation campaign to educate members, supporters and the general public on the party’s official logo ahead of future elections.

The development comes as political parties intensify preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections, with party identity and voter recognition considered critical elements in electoral contests. (New Telegraph)