The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) as a political party and issue it a Certificate of Registration within seven days.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the judgment on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2787/25 filed by Tamunotonye Samuel Solomon Inioribo and two others against INEC.
The suit stemmed from INEC’s rejection of CDA’s application for registration in December 2025 despite the association having received provisional approval to proceed with formal registration and having submitted all required documents and information to the commission.
According to court records, the association also underwent verification of its leadership, officers and national headquarters by INEC before its application was rejected.
The applicants argued that they had fulfilled all constitutional and statutory requirements for registration and challenged the legality of the commission’s decision to deny the application.
In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu upheld the applicants’ claims and directed INEC to issue a Certificate of Registration to the Citizens Democratic Alliance.
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for political party registration, electoral administration and the enforcement of statutory timelines under the Electoral Act.
Reacting to the judgment, the Citizens Democratic Alliance described the decision as a victory for democracy and constitutional governance.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Citizen Abdulrazaq Umar, the party welcomed the court’s verdict and commended the judiciary for upholding democratic principles.
“We commend the Court for upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic rights of Nigerians,” the statement read.
The party also expressed appreciation to its members, supporters and legal team for their support throughout the legal battle.
“Today’s judgment is not merely a victory for the CDA. It is a victory for democracy, political inclusion, constitutional governance, and the right of citizens to freely organize and participate in the democratic process,” the statement added.
The CDA said it harbours no resentment towards any institution or individual, stressing that its objective has always been the expansion of democratic space, respect for the rule of law and the advancement of national development.
The party further described the judgment as the beginning of a new phase in its political journey, promising to engage peacefully and constructively in Nigeria’s democratic process.
It disclosed that it would, in the coming days, formally unveil its vision, manifesto and roadmap for what it described as a more prosperous, just, secure and united Nigeria.
The Citizens Democratic Alliance describes itself as a progressive social democratic political movement committed to democratic reform, constitutional restructuring, economic transformation, institutional accountability and inclusive national development.