2027: Court Delivers Verdict on NDC’s Controversial Logo Dispute with INEC

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload and use the modified digital logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was announced by the National Leader of the NDC and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, who said the ruling had resolved a dispute between the party and the electoral commission over which logo should be officially recognised.

Dickson disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the court, presided over by Justice J. O. Abdulmalik, granted the reliefs sought by the party in its legal challenge against INEC.

According to him, the NDC had submitted its modified logo to INEC after it was approved at the party’s first National Executive Council meeting.

He said the commission initially uploaded the new logo but later removed it without providing the party with an explanation, choosing instead to retain the logo with which the association was originally registered.

Dickson said the NDC subsequently approached the court after its efforts to have INEC correct the situation failed.

He stated that the court has now directed the commission to “forthwith upload and utilise” the modified digital logo contained in the party’s constitution.

The NDC leader described the judgment as an important intervention by the judiciary, saying it had affirmed what the party considers to be its legitimate position.

He said, “It is our pleasure to announce that yesterday, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice J. O. Abdulmalik, granted the prayers of the NDC in a suit seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload and utilise our modified digital logo, as contained in our party’s constitution, instead of the association logo with which the NDC was originally registered.”

Dickson explained that the party had expected INEC to retain the modified logo after it was initially uploaded, but was forced to seek judicial intervention when the commission reverted to the old version.

With the court ruling, he directed NDC candidates and members to immediately begin using the modified logo in campaign materials, including posters, banners and other forms of publicity.

He also appealed to members who may have already produced campaign materials bearing the previous logo to remain calm while transitioning to the newly approved version.

The former governor said both versions of the logo carry the two-finger victory sign but maintained that the modified design is the one recognised by the party’s constitution and the version members should now adopt.

He said, “I want to assure everyone that the party has experienced and strategic leaders who understand what we are doing. Therefore, nobody should panic.”

Dickson also acknowledged that some candidates and supporters might incur inconvenience as a result of the change, particularly those who had already printed campaign materials using the earlier logo.

He, however, said the party would embark on a sensitisation exercise to ensure that its candidates, members and the wider electorate are properly informed about the logo approved by the court.

The NDC leader further urged party members to remain focused despite what he described as administrative challenges surrounding the matter.

He said the party would issue additional communication and publicity materials to guide members and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The court ruling comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 electoral contest, with party identities, symbols and campaign materials expected to play a significant role in voter mobilisation.

Dickson said the NDC welcomed the court’s intervention and thanked its members and supporters for their patience throughout the dispute.

He urged candidates and party members to immediately comply with the directive to use the constitutionally approved modified digital logo in all official party and campaign materials.

“Accordingly, from this moment, the party and all its candidates should use and refer to the constitutionally approved modified digital logo in all campaign and party-related materials,” Dickson added.