The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to approve and use the modified digital logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for all elections conducted by the commission.
The court also restrained INEC from stopping, preventing or interfering with the NDC’s use of its digitally designed “two-finger” victory sign as the official symbol of the political party.
The National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the judgment as a significant resolution of the dispute between the party and the electoral commission over its official logo.
The judgment was delivered by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik following a suit filed by the NDC after the party alleged that INEC had removed its modified logo from the commission’s database and replaced it with the old association logo under which the party was originally registered.
According to the party, the dispute arose after its National Executive Committee (NEC), at a meeting held on March 25, 2026, approved the modified version of its logo and formally forwarded it to INEC for recognition and use.
Director said INEC initially uploaded the modified logo into its database but subsequently removed it and reinstated the old association logo.
He said the electoral commission did not provide the party with what the NDC considered a valid explanation for the reversal.
The party reportedly attempted to resolve the matter through administrative channels before turning to the courts after its efforts to secure the restoration of the modified logo failed.
Delivering judgment in the matter, Justice Abdulmalik directed INEC to approve the modified logo, including its symbol and colours, for the NDC’s official use.
The court specifically ordered that INEC, its servants, agents and officers “shall forthwith approve the modified logo design” of the NDC, including its symbol and colours.
The judgment described the disputed symbol as a digitally designed “two-finger victory sign” with a blue background and the word “NDC” written in red on top.
The court further directed that the approved logo be used by the NDC for all purposes as a political party, including participation in all elections conducted by INEC across Nigeria.
In addition to ordering approval of the modified logo, the court granted a perpetual injunction restraining INEC from stopping or interfering with the NDC’s use of the digitally designed two-finger victory sign.
The ruling effectively gives the party judicial backing for the use of the modified symbol in its political activities and electoral campaigns, particularly as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the judgment, Director expressed appreciation to the judiciary for what he described as a timely intervention in the dispute.
He said the ruling had resolved the uncertainty surrounding the party’s official logo and directed NDC candidates and members to immediately adopt the approved symbol on campaign materials and other party paraphernalia.
“We thank the judiciary for its timely intervention and for directing INEC to upload and utilise the NDC’s modified digital logo,” Director said.
He instructed all candidates and members of the party to use only the newly approved logo on campaign and publicity materials.
“All candidates and party members are hereby directed to adopt and use only the approved NDC logo on all campaign materials and paraphernalia, including banners, posters, and other publicity items,” he stated.
The NDC publicity secretary acknowledged that some party candidates and members may have already produced campaign materials bearing the old logo during the period of uncertainty.
He expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the change and appealed to party members to comply with the court-backed directive going forward.
“We recognise that some candidates and members may have already produced materials bearing the old logo. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused,” he said.
Director also commended party members and candidates for their patience while the matter was being addressed.
The dispute highlights the importance of political party symbols in Nigeria’s electoral system. Party logos are used extensively on campaign materials and, more importantly, serve as identifying symbols for candidates and political parties during elections.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, clarity over the symbols recognised by INEC is particularly important for political parties seeking to mobilise supporters and present candidates across the country.
The NDC said it would now intensify public sensitisation to ensure that its members, supporters and candidates understand the approved design and consistently use it in their political activities.
The party also sought to reassure its supporters that the court’s decision had removed the uncertainty surrounding the logo.
“Going forward, the NDC will intensify public sensitisation on the party’s official logo. We assure our supporters and candidates that there is nothing to worry about. We are in this together,” Director said.
The ruling comes at a time when Nigerian political parties are increasingly focusing on grassroots mobilisation, campaign branding and preparations for the next general elections.
For the NDC, the court order is expected to provide greater certainty for candidates and supporters as the party proceeds with its political activities.
The judgment also places an obligation on INEC to comply with the order concerning the approval and use of the modified NDC logo.
With the court having granted a perpetual injunction against interference with the party’s use of the symbol, the NDC has moved to formally communicate the outcome to its candidates and members while beginning a broader awareness campaign on the approved design.
The party’s leadership is therefore urging all members to discontinue the use of unauthorised or outdated versions of its logo and adopt the court-approved “two-finger” victory symbol in all official party communications and campaign materials.
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