By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

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

The National Leader of the NDC and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

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

He said INEC initially uploaded the new logo but later removed it without communicating any reason to the party and reverted to the old association logo under which the NDC was originally registered.

Dickson said the party subsequently approached the court after INEC failed to make the requested correction.

He announced that Justice J. O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had granted the prayers of the NDC in the suit seeking to compel the electoral commission to recognise and use the modified logo contained in the party’s constitution.

“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 said.

NDC Directs Candidates to Adopt New Logo

Following the court decision, Dickson directed all NDC candidates and members to immediately adopt the modified logo in their campaign and party-related materials.

He urged candidates who may have already produced campaign materials bearing the old logo to begin transitioning to the constitutionally approved version.

“We urge all candidates and party members to forthwith adopt and utilise the approved logo in all campaign materials, including banners, posters and other publicity materials,” he said.

Dickson assured party members that there was no reason to panic over the issue, describing the development as a matter that had now received judicial intervention.

He acknowledged that some candidates and members may have already made arrangements using the old logo but said the party would provide guidance on the transition.

He noted that both logos retain the two-finger victory sign, but maintained that the modified version is the authentic logo approved by the party’s constitution.

Dickson Commends Judiciary

The former Bayelsa governor commended the judiciary for what he described as a timely intervention in the dispute between the party and INEC.

He said the judgment had vindicated the NDC’s position and ensured that what the party considers due process was respected.

Dickson also described the dispute as part of what he called the administrative challenges the party had encountered.

“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 said.

NDC Plans Public Sensitisation

The NDC national leader disclosed that the party would begin a sensitisation campaign to ensure that its members, candidates and the general public understand and recognise the approved logo ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the party would issue a formal statement and embark on publicity campaigns to guide candidates and members while also sensitising voters.

Dickson thanked NDC members, candidates and supporters for their patience and steadfastness throughout the dispute.

The development comes as political parties across Nigeria intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with INEC expected to continue updating its records and electoral materials ahead of the polls.