Court Orders INEC to Recognise NDC’s Modified Two-Finger Logo Ahead of 2027 Elections

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise, approve and upload the modified digital logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), resolving a dispute over the political party’s official symbol ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in a suit filed by the NDC against the electoral commission.

The court directed INEC to approve the party’s modified logo, including its symbol and colours, and recognise it as the NDC’s official identity for political activities and elections conducted by the commission.

The modified design features a digitally rendered two-finger victory sign on a blue background, with the letters “NDC” displayed in red.

The court also granted a perpetual injunction restraining INEC, its officers, agents and representatives from preventing or interfering with the NDC’s use of the modified logo.

How the Logo Dispute Began

The dispute followed the NDC’s decision to modify its party logo at its first National Executive Committee meeting held on March 25, 2026.

The party subsequently forwarded the modified design to INEC for recognition.

According to the NDC, the electoral commission initially uploaded the modified version but later removed it and restored the older association logo under which the political party had originally been registered.

The NDC said it attempted to resolve the matter administratively before eventually approaching the Federal High Court.

In its ruling, the court held that the party had complied with the requirements for modifying its logo and found INEC’s refusal to recognise the modification unlawful.

The case was filed as FHC/ABJ/CS/1814/2026.

NDC Directs Candidates to Adopt Modified Logo

Following the judgment, the NDC directed its candidates, members and supporters to begin using the constitutionally approved modified logo on campaign and party materials.

This includes posters, banners and other publicity materials ahead of the 2027 election season.

The party acknowledged that some candidates may already have produced campaign materials featuring the previous version but said members should transition to the approved modified design.

INEC has since reportedly updated the NDC’s information on its official website and uploaded the modified party logo in compliance with the court decision.

The development comes as Nigeria’s political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, where party names, symbols and logos will serve as important identifiers for voters on ballot papers.